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Procedures

What is precision oncology?

Medcasts editorial team

Precision oncology means using your tumor's molecular profile (genetic mutations, gene expression, protein markers) to select treatment, rather than treating based on cancer organ alone.

A breast cancer with HER2 amplification gets HER2-targeted therapy (trastuzumab, pertuzumab). A lung cancer with EGFR mutation gets an EGFR inhibitor (osimertinib). A colon cancer with BRAF mutation gets BRAF-targeted therapy.

Practical implication: insist that your tumor's molecular profile is documented before treatment is finalized. The right tests depend on the cancer; common panels include comprehensive genomic profiling (FoundationOne, Tempus, Caris) or focused testing for specific markers.

Not every cancer has a targetable mutation. But missing one when it's there is the most common avoidable mistake in modern oncology.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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