What is personalized medicine in cancer treatment?

What is personalized medicine in cancer treatment?

Personalized medicine in cancer treatment tailors therapies based on individual patient characteristics, including genetics.

How does it differ from traditional cancer treatments?

Unlike traditional treatments that use a one-size-fits-all approach, personalized medicine targets specific genetic mutations in tumors.

Can you give me an example of personalized medicine in action?

Sure! For instance, patients with HER2-positive breast cancer may receive targeted therapies like trastuzumab, which specifically attack cancer cells with that mutation.

What are the benefits of using personalized medicine?

Benefits include improved treatment efficacy, reduced side effects, and the ability to avoid ineffective therapies.

Are there any risks associated with personalized medicine?

Yes, potential risks include the possibility of over-reliance on genetic testing and the need for comprehensive data to guide treatment decisions.