Understanding the Crucial Role of Cancer Genomic Testing in Targeted and Immunotherapy

Concept of Precision Medicine: 

Precision medicine is a medical practice based on the genomic alterations of each individual aimed at crafting personalized treatment plans for these patients. With recent advancements in sequencing technology, cancer genomic testing has become an efficient method to help physicians obtain necessary information for patient treatments. Clinical studies have shown that targeting patients with specific genomic alterations with corresponding drugs improves the treatment response rate, extends patients' survival, and minimizes side effects caused by inappropriate medications.

Advancements in Testing Technology: 

Precision testing includes techniques such as cancer genomic sequencing, immunohistochemistry, and fluorescence in situ hybridization. These tests can reveal whether a patient's cancer cells carry specific alterations, such as protein overexpression, chromosomal changes, and detailed gene mutations. With this information, physicians can not only tailor treatment plans, such as targeted therapy or immunotherapy, but also have the chance to learn more about the prognosis of patients. This demonstrates the importance of precision medicine in cancer patient management.

Targeted Therapy: 

Genes that regulate cell growth often mutate in cancer cells, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation. Targeted therapy focuses on inhibiting these specific gene mutations by using drugs to block the function of these genes, thereby shrinking tumors and controlling the disease progression to extend the survival of patients. Compared to chemotherapy, targeted therapy causes less damage to normal cells and better preserves patients' quality of life. For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitors commonly used in lung cancer are targeted treatments that can be directed against EGFR gene mutations.

Immunotherapy: 

Cancer cells often evade attack by suppressing the immune system (immune checkpoints). Immunotherapy works by activating the patient's immune system, restoring its ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells. Commonly used clinical treatments include immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy. For example, immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and anti-CTLA-4 can lift the "brakes" imposed by cancer cells on the immune system, restoring its function and effectively attacking cancer cells. Moreover, immune checkpoint inhibitors are often used in combination with chemotherapy or anti-angiogenesis inhibitors to further enhance the tumor control.

Impact of Precision Testing on Treatment: 

Although targeted and immunotherapy mechanisms differ, clinical practice requires testing to determine if a patient is suitable for specific drugs. Clinical data shows that providing appropriate treatment for patients with corresponding biomarkers usually yields better clinical outcomes and effectively extends patient survival, highlighting the importance of precision testing.

As technology advances, precision testing is becoming an indispensable part before using targeted and immunotherapy. It assists physicians in devising treatment plans for each patient and makes cancer treatment more effective. Precision medicine will continue to revolutionize our approach to cancer treatment.

This article is for informational purposes only. You should discuss with your treating physician to devise a personal treatment plan.

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