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Approximately 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, and it continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide
Advances in early detection, innovative treatments, and personalized medicine have significantly improved survival rates—breast cancer survival rates, for example, have increased by nearly 10% in key regions
Cancer remains a global health crisis, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths reported in 2022. Approximately 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, and it continues to be one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. However, the past decade has brought remarkable progress, transforming the outlook for millions of patients. Advances in early detection, innovative treatments, and personalized medicine have significantly improved survival rates—breast cancer survival rates, for example, have increased by nearly 10% in key regions. Today, an estimated 53.5 million people are alive five years after a cancer diagnosis . These breakthroughs reflect a new era in cancer care, driven by collaboration, research, and technology, offering renewed hope and better outcomes for patients and their families. Dr Ashok Kumar Vaid, Chairman, Medical Oncology, Cancer Care, Medanta, Gurugram shares all you need to know:
The Shift from One-Size-Fits-All to Tailored Treatments:
For years, cancer treatment followed a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Chemotherapy and radiation, while powerful tools, were often deployed like a blunt instrument, affecting both cancerous and healthy cells. This often resulted in debilitating side effects and limited effectiveness for many patients. The fundamental flaw was treating cancer as a single entity, rather than recognizing its inherent complexity and variability.
The emergence of precision and personalized medicine has revolutionized this approach. These innovative strategies recognize that each patient’s cancer is unique, with its own distinct molecular fingerprint.
What is precision medicine?
• Precision medicine focuses on identifying the specific genetic and molecular drivers of your cancer. It’s like finding the exact cause of the problem.
• Once these drivers are identified, doctors can use targeted therapies, like specialized drugs, to disrupt those specific mechanisms. This maximizes effectiveness and minimizes harm to healthy cells.
What is personalized medicine?
• Personalized medicine takes precision medicine a step further. It considers you – your medical history, lifestyle, preferences, and even your beliefs – to create a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs.
• This holistic approach recognizes that factors like your age, overall health, and personal values can significantly influence treatment decisions and outcomes.
Empowering patients through innovation:
PPM not only transforms treatment but also empowers patients. You become an active participant in your care, not just a passive recipient.
• Genetic and molecular testing: These tests provide a deeper understanding of your specific cancer, allowing you to make informed decisions about treatment options.
• Shared decision-making: You and your medical team work together to create a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values.
Transformative impact:
PPM has already made a profound impact.
• Targeted therapies: These therapies focus on specific genetic mutations, improving outcomes and reducing side effects for many cancer types.
• Immunotherapies: These treatments harness your own immune system to fight cancer, offering a powerful new weapon in the fight.
• Multiple treatment options: Where once there may have been only one harsh treatment, now there are multiple, more targeted approaches available. Like, the Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs), which are complex therapies that combine an antibody that targets cancer cells with a powerful chemotherapy drug, delivering the treatment directly to the tumor.
While challenges remain, the advancements in PPM offer real hope. We’re moving towards a future where cancer treatments are tailored to each individual, maximizing their chances of survival and improving their quality of life. This is not just a distant dream, but a reality unfolding now, offering a brighter future for those facing a cancer diagnosis.
