What is precision oncology?

Precision oncology is a method of cancer treatment that focuses on the specific genetic makeup of a patient's tumor to tailor treatment choices.

What are the side effects of traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy?

Traditional treatments such as chemotherapy can cause side effects like hair loss, nausea, fatigue, infections, nerve damage, and brain fog.

How does precision oncology improve cancer treatment?

Precision oncology uses genetic testing to guide doctors in selecting targeted therapies or immunotherapies that directly attack cancer cells, leading to better outcomes and fewer side effects.

Home / Health / Cancer Treatment Gets Personal: Precision Oncology Arrives

Cancer Treatment Gets Personal: Precision Oncology Arrives

7 Feb

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Summary

Precision oncology tailors cancer treatment to individual genetic makeup.
Chemotherapy's broad effects include hair loss, nausea, and fatigue.
Genetic testing helps select targeted therapies with fewer side effects.

Cancer Treatment Gets Personal: Precision Oncology Arrives

Cancer's growing burden, exacerbated by lifestyle changes and late detection, is straining healthcare systems, with younger patients and longer treatment journeys becoming more common. For decades, cancer care relied on surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, often leading to significant physical and emotional toll due to their non-specific effects on healthy cells.

Precision oncology represents a significant shift, focusing on the genetic profile of a tumor rather than just its location. This approach allows for personalized treatment strategies, aiming to target cancer cells more effectively while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.