Personalised Cancer Treatment

Personalised medicine is an approach that tailors treatment based on the individual needs and characteristics of each patient.

The concept of personalised medicine is not a new one, but recent advancements in both science and technology have helped to reduce the time between laboratory bench and patient bedside. Although the underlying science is complex and has taken several decades to mature, the key principle remains clear: Every patient is unique and deserving of individualised medical care.

Here’s how Dr Gaya is using personalised medicine for his patients:

Genetic Profiling of Tumours: Cancer is caused by a series of genetic mutations (the genetic fingerprint of the tumour), and these mutations can vary significantly between individuals, including among those with the same type of cancer. Personalised medicine involves sequencing the DNA of a patient’s tumour to identify specific mutations. This genetic fingerprinting helps in understanding the behaviour of the cancer and in predicting how it will respond to certain treatments.
Targeted Therapies: Based on the genetic information obtained, oncologists can select targeted therapies that are specifically effective against tumours with certain mutations. For example, if a stomach cancer patient’s tumour has a mutation in the HER2 gene, they will be treated with drugs that specifically target HER2.
Immunotherapy: Personalised medicine has also led to the use of immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Immunotherapies work by “powering up” the immune system and helping it recognize and attack cancer cells. The effectiveness of these therapies can depend on the patient’s individual immune response and also the molecular characteristics (genetic fingerprinting) of their tumour.
Biomarkers and Molecular Diagnostics: The use of biomarkers—molecules that indicate the presence or severity of a disease—is crucial in personalised medicine. Oncologists use biomarkers to monitor the disease and to select the most effective treatments. Molecular diagnostic tests can also help in predicting the risk of recurrence and in monitoring the patient’s response to treatment.
Customised Treatment Plans: Treatment plans are tailored to the individual, taking into account not just the cancer’s characteristics but also the patient’s overall health, preferences, and lifestyle. This ensures a holistic approach to treatment that can improve outcomes and quality of life. A customised treatment plan may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and interventional radiology ablation. In addition to the cancer treatment plan, a comprehensive lifestyle plan is also important, incorporating exercise, nutrition and supplements, sleep and mental health.

Incorporating personalised medicine into clinical oncology represents a significant shift from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to cancer treatment. It offers the promise of more effective treatments, fewer side effects, and improved overall outcomes for patients.

Cancer and Lifestyle Changes

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Personalised Cancer Treatment

Here’s how Dr Gaya is using personalised medicine for his patients:

If you would like to speak with Dr Andy Gaya about personalised medicine, click here to make an appointment

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