Personalized Medicine in Cancer: What does it mean and how is it done?

Summary

The Sement Cancer Center, in collaboration with Washington University's Genomics and Pathology Services (GPS), is utilizing Next Generation sequencing to revolutionize cancer treatment. By decoding tumor DNA, doctors can pinpoint genetic mutations driving cancer, allowing for precise, personalized therapies. This approach, known as tumor profiling, enables more accurate diagnoses and targeted treatments, improving patient outcomes. One case highlights a woman with advanced lung cancer whose tailored treatment led to a dramatic response. This breakthrough is transforming cancer care, moving towards a future where even aggressive cancers can be managed effectively.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University's genomics and pathology services (GPS) are utilizing genome decoding to achieve life-changing outcomes for cancer patients.
• 🧪 Next Generation sequencing helps doctors personalize cancer treatments by analyzing patients' tumor DNA.
• 📊 Cancer results from multiple genetic changes that can be inherited or acquired through exposure to toxins, UV light, or other environmental factors.
• 🔍 85% of cancers are due to genetic changes acquired over time, explaining why it often takes years for cancer to develop.
• 💡 Sequencing tumor DNA allows doctors to understand the specific genetic changes causing cancer, leading to personalized treatment plans.
• 💉 Personalized medicine can target genetic mutations with specific drugs, enhancing treatment outcomes beyond the tumor's location.
• 🧠 Tumor profiling using Next Generation sequencing allows the analysis of numerous cancer-related genes simultaneously, helping to understand tumor behavior and aggressiveness.
• 🧑‍⚕️ Patients like Sue, diagnosed with stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer, benefit from molecularly targeted therapies, which can significantly shrink or eliminate tumors.
• 🏥 GPS's tumor profiling results help doctors diagnose and manage cancer more effectively, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
• 🚀 The future of cancer treatment lies in individualized therapies based on tumor DNA, where even aggressive cancers could become manageable chronic diseases.

Q & A

What is the Siteman Cancer Center doing in partnership with Washington University's Genomics and Pathology Services (GPS)?

The Siteman Cancer Center, in partnership with Washington University's Genomics and Pathology Services (GPS), is using advancements from the Human Genome Project to apply next-generation sequencing techniques to develop personalized treatment plans for cancer patients.

What is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), and why is it significant in cancer treatment?

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is a technology that enables the analysis of dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of cancer-related genes at the same time. It provides detailed information about the genetic makeup of a tumor, allowing doctors to create personalized treatment plans based on the unique genetic mutations present in the cancer cells.

How does cancer develop according to the script?

Cancer develops when a series of genetic changes, which can be inherited or acquired over time, cause cells to lose their normal function. These changes result in cells growing and dividing uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Approximately 85% of all cancers are caused by acquired genetic mutations due to factors like aging, exposure to cigarette smoke, toxic chemicals, or UV light.

What is tumor profiling, and how does it benefit cancer treatment?

Tumor profiling involves using NGS to read the DNA sequence of a tumor, providing a high-resolution view of its genetic code. This allows doctors to identify specific genetic changes that contribute to the cancer's development, enabling them to tailor treatments that target these mutations, improving patient outcomes.

What impact did tumor profiling have on the patient named Sue?

Sue, a stage four non-small cell lung cancer patient, benefited from targeted Next-Generation Sequencing, which identified a specific genetic mutation. This discovery enabled her to receive a treatment as part of a clinical trial, resulting in a significant reduction in tumor size and improved quality of life.

What are the sources of genetic changes that can lead to cancer?

Genetic changes that lead to cancer can be inherited or acquired. Acquired changes are more common and often result from exposure to external factors like cigarette smoke, certain toxic chemicals, or UV light from the sun, as well as natural changes that occur as we age.

Why is tumor profiling considered a 'GameChanger' for oncology?

Tumor profiling allows doctors to treat patients based on the genetic makeup of their tumors rather than just the location of the tumor in the body. This personalized approach can identify treatments that are more effective and have fewer side effects, making it a significant advancement in cancer care.

How has the Human Genome Project contributed to cancer research?

The Human Genome Project provided the foundational knowledge of the human genetic code, enabling researchers to understand genetic mutations in cancer cells. This understanding has been translated into practical applications, such as Next-Generation Sequencing, to create personalized cancer treatments.

What does it mean for a patient to have a 'complete response' to cancer treatment?

A 'complete response' means that the patient's cancer has significantly regressed or disappeared as a result of the treatment. In Sue's case, her metastasized tumors disappeared, and her original tumor shrank after receiving targeted therapy.

What is the future vision for cancer treatment according to the script?

The future vision for cancer treatment involves using tumor DNA sequencing to transform cancer into a well-managed chronic disease. By treating each cancer patient based on the genetic profile of their tumor, doctors aim to provide precise, effective treatments that improve survival and quality of life.