What Is Precision Oncology? A Personalized Approach to Cancer Care

Cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the last decade. Today, doctors are moving beyond the traditional "one treatment for everyone" approach and towards precision oncology—a method that tailors treatment to the unique characteristics of each patient's cancer. 

  Every cancer is different. Even when two people have the same type of cancer, such as lung or breast cancer, the disease may behave differently because of changes in the cancer's genes. Understanding these differences allows doctors to select treatments that are more likely to be effective for a particular patient. 

  How Does Precision Oncology Work?   

The journey begins with an accurate diagnosis. In many patients, especially those with advanced cancers, your oncologist may recommend biomarker or genomic testing. These tests examine a sample of the tumour—or sometimes a blood sample—to identify specific genetic changes that are driving the cancer.   

Once these changes are identified, your oncologist combines this information with your overall health, stage of cancer, and treatment goals to create a personalized treatment plan.   

Depending on the results, treatment may include:   

- Targeted therapy 

- Immunotherapy 

- Chemotherapy 

- A combination of treatments 

- Clinical trials, when appropriate   

Who Can Benefit?   

Precision oncology is now an important part of treating many cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, melanoma, and several blood cancers. As research continues, the number of cancers that can benefit from personalized treatment is steadily increasing.   

However, not every patient requires genomic testing, and not every cancer has a targetable genetic change. Your medical oncologist will determine whether precision oncology is appropriate for your individual situation.   

Why Is Precision Oncology Important? 

 The biggest advantage of precision oncology is that it helps doctors make more informed treatment decisions. Rather than relying only on the location where the cancer started, doctors can understand the biology of the tumour itself. 

  This approach may:   

- Improve the chances of choosing the most effective treatment 

- Reduce exposure to treatments that are less likely to work 

- Minimize unnecessary side effects 

- Provide access to newer targeted therapies and immunotherapy 

- Offer opportunities to participate in suitable clinical trials   

The Future of Cancer Care   

Precision oncology represents one of the most exciting advances in modern cancer treatment. While it is not a cure for every cancer, it has already transformed the way many cancers are managed by making treatment more personalized, evidence-based, and effective.   

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, speak with your oncologist about whether biomarker or genomic testing is appropriate. The right information at the right time can help guide the right treatment.   

Dr. Prathyush V 

Medical Oncologist & Precision Oncology Specialist 

Apollo Hospitals, Bangalore