How the advancement in precision medicine is promising new hopes in breast cancer treatment

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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In recent years, the field of oncology has witnessed remarkable progress in the realm of precision medicine, particularly in the treatment of breast cancer. Precision medicine, also known as personalised medicine, involves tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, including their genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences.

This approach has significantly transformed the way breast cancer is diagnosed, treated, and managed, offering new hope to patients and clinicians alike.

Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent and deadly cancers affecting women worldwide. While traditional treatment approaches such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy have been effective for many patients, they often come with significant side effects and may not always provide optimal outcomes.

However, the advent of precision medicine has ushered in a new era of targeted therapies and individualised treatment strategies, bringing unprecedented precision and efficacy to breast cancer care.

The exact causes of breast cancer are multifaceted, certain genes plays a significant role. Two particularly influential genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes act as tumour suppressors, working tirelessly to repair DNA damage and prevent uncontrolled cell division. When these genes malfunctions, the body’s ability to repair DNA is compromised, and it significantly increases the risk of developing breast cancer. 

Its important to note that BRCA mutations are not the only risk factor for breast cancer. Age, family history beyond BRCA genes, lifestyle choices like alcohol consumption and obesity, and exposure to radiation can all contribute. 

Signs and Symptoms

Being informed of your body and knowing the signs of breast cancer is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. Common warning signs include:

• Transformations in the size, shape, or the appearance of the breast
• A lump in the breast or armpit
• Nipple discharge (bloody or clear)
• Dimpling or puckering the breast skin
• Pain in the breast or armpit

Conventional treatment choices

• Surgery- This involves removing the cancerous tissue or the entire breast 
• Radiation Therapy-  High-energy rays are used to destroy the cancer cells
• Chemotherapy-  Powerful drugs are used to kill the cancer cells throughout the body 

While these treatments are effective, they can come with harsh side effects. This is where precision medicine steps in, offering a more targeted and personalised approach. 

Precision Medicine

Precision medicine analyses a patient’s tumour for specific genetic mutations. These genetic mutations can act as fingerprints, revealing vulnerabilities in the cancer cells. This allows doctors to choose therapies that target these weaknesses, maximising effectiveness and minimising side effects. 

• Targeted Therapies: Drugs like PARP inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors exploit specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells, leading to better outcomes with reduced toxicity.
• Immunotherapy: This treatment approach helps a patient’s own immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy, have shown promise in treating breast cancers
• Genetic Testing: Identifying mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 allows doctors to tailor preventive measures and treatment plans for those at higher risk.

Precision medicine is still evolving, but the developments hold immense promise. With continued research, we can expect to see:

• More targeted therapies: Tailored drugs that target an even wider range of genetic mutations
• Improved diagnostic tools: Tests that can identify not just the existence of cancer but also its specific exposures 
• Personalised treatment plans: A future where every patient receives a treatment plan designed specifically for their unique cancer

While the fight against breast cancer continues, precision medicine offers a beacon of hope, empowering doctors with the tools to personalise treatments and improve patient outcomes. As research continues, we can look forward to a future where breast cancer is not just treatable, but preventable and ultimately, a disease of the past.

—The author, Dr. Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh, is Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, at HCG Abdur Razzaque Ansari Cancer Hospital, Ranchi. The views expressed are personal.  

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