Your Genes Might Be Key To Your Cancer Treatment- Expert Explains How

In December 2020, 65-year-old Sanjay* was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most aggressive forms of adult brain tumors. GBM usually has a bleak prognosis, with median survival rates of only over a year. Though rounds of chemotherapy and radiation initially yielded minimal benefits, it wasn't until comprehensive genomic profiling that his treatment plan was overhauled.

The strategy used his unique genetic mutations as the basis for his therapy; it was this that would provide him with targeted therapy and prolong his survival far beyond the usual 14-month median.

As Dr. Rajeev Vijayakumar, Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist puts it, "Sanjay's story tells us the tale of how genomic profiling redefines cancer treatment by propelling us toward a better future in personalized medicine not only targeting the disease but also the quality of life for the patient." Shifting from a 'One Size Fits All' Approach

Cancer treatment has seen a complete revolution in the last ten years. The traditional model of standardized therapies, though it was effective in some cases, failed to take into account the varied genetic profiles of individual tumors. The conventional approaches were mainly concentrated on the elimination of cancer without considering the quality of life of the patient.

Today, with all the latest developments in precision oncology, the treatment can be better focused on what is necessary-personalized and target-based. On understanding genetic underpinnings in cancer, targetable mutations can be recognized, tailor-made treatment designed, and outcomes of treatment improved upon. The bottom line thus shifts toward dealing not merely with survival alone but dealing with patients who are best cared for through and post-treatment, as a whole.

The crux of personalized cancer care involves targeted therapy: an innovative concept that makes the treatment chime in with the patient's unique genetic mutations. In this case, the patient's genomic profile would determine whether the patient could benefit from traditional treatments or needs a tailored approach by making use of a comprehensive genomic panel, such as TarGT Indiegene offered by 4baseCare.

"Targeted therapy is like finding the Achilles' heel of a tumor," says Dr. Vijayakumar. "Identifying actionable mutations means targeting the genetic drivers of disease, offering patients a potentially more effective and less toxic treatment plan."

The success of targeted therapy is reflected in stories of patients who have received genomic profiling.

One of the examples was a patient with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who failed traditional chemotherapy. Genomic profiling through TarGT Indiegene identified an actionable target mutation in the tumor. This information led to transitioning the patient to a targeted therapy designed for this particular mutation. The outcome was a positive response to the new treatment, along with better quality of life.

The another example of genomic profiling identified, a woman with breast cancer who had been receiving hormone treatment was identified to have the BRCA1 mutation in which her oncologist prescribed targeted therapy of a class drugs that was known to respond well for BRCA-related cancers. The change was not only beneficial for this patient in terms of healthier clinical outcomes but also reduced harmful side effects from the medications.

"These stories show how genomic insights can unlock new, highly effective treatment options for cancer patients," notes Dr. Vijayakumar.

Despite its promise, there are challenges with the adoption of personalized treatment approaches through genomic profiling. There is limited genomic data in non-Caucasian populations, including Indian and Southeast Asian communities.

Most of the genomic research and therapeutic advances are based on data derived from Caucasian populations," Dr. Vijayakumar explains. "This creates a gap in understanding how certain mutations manifest and respond to treatment in other populations, leaving patients in these regions underserved.

It is also important to build comprehensive genomic databases that reflect the diversity of global populations to make precision oncology accessible to everyone. Another barrier remains in the cost of genomic testing and targeted therapies for most patients, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

Sanjay's story is one of the examples of what genomic profiling can do in changing the course of cancer. As researchers continue to close gaps in genomic data and refine targeted therapies, oncology's future looks very promising.

"Precision oncology is not only about the extension of life, but rather it's more about improving the quality of life," Dr. Vijayakumar says. "Through personalized treatment for genetic profiles, we minimize side effects, improve outcomes, and provide new hope for patients even when faced with the most aggressive cancers."

The future of care for cancer lies in making the treatment personal—that's how you treat the disease without losing the individualism. Genomic profiling stands ready to redefine the complex, multifaceted nature of the disease by unravelling the genetic secrets behind it. As awareness increases and accessibility improves, ever more patients like Sanjay can receive therapies that would truly make a difference.

In the words of Dr. Vijayakumar, "The key to unlocking better cancer treatments lies in our genes, and it's time we embraced this revolutionary approach to save lives and improve outcomes."

The Genetics of Cancer. National Cancer Institute.