What is precision oncology?
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.
Jibu hili ni taarifa ya jumla, si ushauri wa kitabibu. Daktari wako anapaswa kuthibitisha kinachohusu hali yako.