Precision Oncology: Personalised Cancer Treatment & Expert Care
Precision oncology is a modern approach to cancer treatment that focuses on the unique biological and molecular characteristics of an individual's cancer. Instead of relying solely on the location or stage of the tumour, precision oncology uses information from the cancer's genetic, molecular, and biomarker profile to help identify treatments that may be most appropriate for the patient. Dr. Anjali Sachan provides personalised cancer care, using a patient-focused approach to help determine suitable diagnostic and treatment strategies based on the individual's cancer characteristics.
What Is Precision Oncology?
Every cancer can have different genetic and molecular features, even when two patients have cancer in the same organ. Precision oncology aims to identify these differences and use them to guide treatment decisions.
Depending on the cancer, precision oncology may involve: Tumour genetic testing; Biomarker testing; Molecular profiling; Immunohistochemistry (IHC); Next-generation sequencing (NGS); Evaluation of inherited genetic changes when clinically indicated. The information obtained from these tests can help doctors identify potential treatment targets and understand how a tumour may respond to specific therapies.
How Does Precision Oncology Work?
Precision oncology generally begins with a detailed evaluation of the patient's diagnosis, medical history, cancer stage, and previous treatments. A sample of the tumour may then undergo molecular or biomarker testing.
The results can identify specific genetic mutations, proteins, or molecular pathways associated with cancer growth. Based on these findings, the medical team can assess whether targeted therapy, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or another treatment approach may be appropriate. Not every cancer has an identifiable or treatable molecular target, so precision testing does not always result in a specific targeted treatment.
Benefits of Precision Oncology
A personalised approach to cancer treatment may help:
Precision oncology is designed to complement, rather than automatically replace, established cancer treatment approaches.
Molecular Testing in Cancer Care
Molecular testing can provide important information about the biology of a tumour. Depending on the cancer type, testing may look for specific mutations, gene fusions, amplifications, receptor status, or other biomarkers.
In some situations, testing may also identify an inherited genetic alteration that could have implications for the patient's family. Genetic counselling may be recommended when hereditary cancer risk is suspected.
Why Choose Dr. Anjali Sachan for Precision Oncology Care?
Dr. Anjali Sachan focuses on personalised cancer management, considering the patient's cancer type, stage, pathology, molecular characteristics, previous treatment, overall health, and individual goals. When appropriate, precision oncology can help guide treatment selection and identify whether a patient may benefit from targeted therapies, immunotherapy, hormonal therapy, or other personalised approaches.
Who May Benefit from Precision Oncology?
Precision oncology may be particularly valuable for patients with advanced, recurrent, metastatic, rare, or treatment-resistant cancers. It can also be considered for selected cancers where established biomarkers are already used to guide treatment. The decision to perform molecular testing depends on the cancer type, clinical situation, available treatment options, and whether the results are likely to influence management.
The Future of Personalised Cancer Care
Advances in molecular diagnostics and cancer research continue to expand the role of precision oncology. By understanding the biological features of each tumour, doctors can increasingly develop treatment strategies tailored to individual patients. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, consult Dr. Anjali Sachan to understand whether molecular testing and a precision oncology approach may be appropriate for your condition.
Discuss your diagnosis and treatment options with Dr. Anjali Sachan.