What is Precision Medicine in Oncology?

Precision medicine is an approach to treatment that takes into account individual genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environment to tailor treatments for each person. In oncology, this means using genetic testing to identify specific mutations in a patient's tumor and then selecting drugs that target those mutations. This approach can lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects compared to traditional one-size-fits-all cancer treatments.

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For example, some breast cancers have a mutation in the HER2 gene, which can be targeted with drugs like Herceptin. By using precision medicine, oncologists can identify patients who are most likely to benefit from these targeted therapies and spare others from unnecessary treatments and side effects.

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It's important to note that while precision medicine holds great promise, it's still a relatively new approach and not all cancers have targeted therapies available yet. Additionally, genetic testing can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance for all patients. However, as research continues and more treatments become available, precision medicine is likely to become an increasingly important part of oncology care.

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