Precision Medicine and Oncology

It was 21 years ago when TIME magazine’s cover featured the promising and hope filled drug Gleevec – the revolutionary pill that will target only the diseased cells – May 28, 2001. The presentation by Dr. George Demetri posed the question, How can we best translate science into reliable effective therapy for people with cancer? The idea that cancer was once a monolithic “black box” which was able to define each type by its site of origin. Cancer found in the breast was known as breast cancer, found in the lung – lung cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and others were all treated with the one size fits all approach.

Moving forward, a breakthrough in identifying lung cancer for the various sub-types of cancers helped to bring forth new methods of treatments. Specific targeted therapies were developed and the evolution of cancer treatments were well on its way to making strides for the patient community.

Precision medicine is focused on what is driving the cancer. With the ability to conduct clinical research, Larotrectinib and Entrectinib, two different drugs made by two different companies, both used to treat advanced or metastatic solid tumor cancers with neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions – providing a successful outcome for the patients as the shrinking tumors helped to prolong lives.

Needless to say, with all the progress made, the challenges remain. While precision medicine is highly effective for patients, it has only benefited 20-30% of cancers. The majority of cancers do not have a single “driver”. Like viruses and other pathogens, cancer cells continue to evolve into resistant forms. The molecular diagnostics are costly, and the possibility of being misdiagnosed is still a factor. There is a need for safer drug combinations to cure more cancers.

Overall, the excitement remains high as we look to the advancements in treatment therapies being able to identify the best plan for each individual who presents with cancer. Precision medicine has created a much needed shift in making an effective and efficient mark to prolonging lives and improving or maintaining the quality of life. The patients, the advocates and caregivers are eagerly awaiting for the next breakthrough.

Presentation on Precision Medicine and Oncology by Dr. George Demetri, Boston Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, at the AACR Annual Meeting 2022, Scientist↔Survivor Program.