Cancer occurs when the genes in our cells undergo a change or damage, leading to a malfunction in their functioning. These cells with damage lose their ability to regulate their growth and division, resulting in the uncontrollable proliferation observed in cancer. This is why it’s important to treat cancer the right way, from the very start, to give patients a better and longer life, explains Dr. B. S. Ajay Kumar, a radiation and medical oncologist.

What is precision therapy in cancer?

Precision therapy, also called personalized medicine, is a way of treating cancer by focusing on what makes each patient unique. It looks at a person’s genes to choose treatments that are more likely to work and have fewer side effects compared to traditional methods. The main idea is to find the specific genetic changes that are causing the cancer to grow, and then use the right treatment for that specific problem, at the right time, for each patient.

How can it help prescribe targeted therapies?

Genomics aids in comprehending the genetic alterations that render cancer cells susceptible to certain therapies. Targeted therapies are medications designed to specifically target the proteins responsible for fueling the growth of cancer. Through genetic analysis of a patient’s tumor, doctors can select therapies that target the main mutations of the cancer. Genetic testing can also reveal rare changes, where drugs already used for other cancers might work well for this patient’s cancer, making the treatment more effective.

How can genomics help predict the risk of cancer?

Genomic testing can find inherited mutations that raise a person’s chance of getting cancer. Changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, like in this scenario, are recognized as raising the likelihood of developing breast and ovarian cancers. By detecting these mutations at an early stage, physicians can closely monitor the individual and implement preventative measures, such as surgeries, if necessary.

Is gene testing affordable and accessible?

The test is available, but it’s still expensive. As more people start using it, the cost should go down. The main issue isn’t the initial setup, but the cost of the chemicals (reagents) used. Some labs are testing their own reagents, and it’s expected that in a few years, this could become a regular test costing under Rs 10,000.

Genomics allows us to comprehend the genetic alterations that render cancer cells susceptible to certain therapies. Targeted therapies are specifically designed medications that target the proteins responsible for promoting cancer growth. Doctors can select treatments that target the fundamental mutations of a patient’s tumor by examining it genetically. Genetic testing can uncover uncommon alterations, indicating that medications currently prescribed for different types of cancer could be beneficial for treating the patient’s cancer, increasing the effectiveness of the treatment.