Personalised Molecular Testing in Cancer at Aagam Cancer Centre
Personalised molecular testing is revolutionising cancer treatment, offering tailored therapeutic strategies based on the unique genetic makeup of each patient’s tumor. At Aagam Cancer Centre, our approach to personalised molecular testing is guided by the expertise of Dr. Ashish Kaushal, a highly experienced medical oncologist. This cutting-edge practice is transforming cancer care in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, enabling more precise and effective treatments.
What is Personalised Molecular Testing?
Personalised molecular testing involves analysing the genetic and molecular profile of a patient's tumor to identify specific mutations, alterations, and biomarkers. This detailed genetic information helps oncologists understand the underlying mechanisms of cancer progression and develop individualized treatment plans that are more likely to be effective. Utilising this advanced form of precision medicine, we can tailor treatments to the specific genetic characteristics of each patient's cancer.
Benefits of Personalised Molecular Testing
Precision Oncology
Targeted Treatment Selection
Precision Medicine: Personalised molecular testing enables the selection of targeted therapies that specifically address the genetic mutations present in a patient’s tumor. This precision approach increases the likelihood of treatment success and reduces unnecessary side effects.
Example: In cases of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations, drugs like Osimertinib (Tagrisso) have shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) by up to 19 months compared to standard chemotherapy.
Better Treatment Outcomes
Improved Survival Rates: By matching patients with the most appropriate therapies, personalized molecular testing has been shown to improve overall survival (OS) rates. For instance, HER2-positive breast cancer patients treated with Trastuzumab (Herceptin) experience a significant increase in 5-year survival rates.
Example: In metastatic colorectal cancer with KRAS wild-type tumors, the addition of Cetuximab (Erbitux) to chemotherapy has improved OS by approximately 4 months.
Identification of Resistance Mechanisms
Overcoming Drug Resistance: Molecular testing can identify mutations that cause resistance to certain therapies, allowing oncologists to adjust treatment plans accordingly. For example, in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who develop resistance to Imatinib (Gleevec), second-generation TKIs like Dasatinib or Nilotinib can be used.
Example: In BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer, patients who become resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy can benefit from PARP inhibitors like Olaparib (Lynparza), which significantly improve PFS.
Minimal Side Effects
Reduced Toxicity: Targeted therapies selected based on molecular testing tend to have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, as they specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Example: Patients receiving targeted therapies such as Sunitinib (Sutent) for renal cell carcinoma report better tolerance and fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments.
Types of Molecular Tests
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
Comprehensive Analysis: NGS allows for the simultaneous examination of multiple genes, providing a comprehensive view of the genetic alterations in a tumor. This technology helps identify actionable mutations that can be targeted with specific therapies.
Benefit: NGS can detect a wide range of mutations, from single nucleotide variants to large genomic alterations, facilitating the design of highly individualized treatment plans.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
High Sensitivity: PCR is used to detect specific genetic mutations with high sensitivity and accuracy. It is commonly used for identifying mutations in genes like EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF.
Benefit: PCR provides rapid results, enabling timely adjustments to treatment strategies based on the molecular profile of the tumor.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Protein Expression Analysis: IHC is used to assess the expression of specific proteins in tumor cells, such as HER2, PD-L1, and ER/PR receptors. This information is crucial for selecting appropriate targeted therapies.
Benefit: IHC helps in determining the eligibility of patients for therapies like Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive cancers or immune checkpoint inhibitors for PD-L1 expressing tumors.
Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH)
Genetic Abnormalities Detection: FISH is used to detect chromosomal abnormalities and gene fusions, such as ALK and ROS1 rearrangements in lung cancer.
Benefit: Identifying these genetic changes allows for the use of targeted therapies like Crizotinib (Xalkori) for ALK-positive lung cancer, which significantly improves PFS and OS.
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in Depth
Comprehensive Genomic Profiling
Extensive Mutation Detection: NGS can identify a wide range of genetic mutations, including single nucleotide variants (SNVs), insertions and deletions (indels), copy number variations (CNVs), and chromosomal rearrangements. This thorough profiling is crucial for understanding the complexity of cancer at the molecular level.
Example: In breast cancer, NGS can identify mutations in genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and PIK3CA, guiding the use of targeted therapies such as PARP inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib for BRCA-mutated tumors).
Actionable Insights for Targeted Therapy
Precision Medicine: NGS provides actionable insights that enable oncologists to match patients with targeted therapies based on their unique genetic profiles. This approach maximizes the efficacy of treatment while minimizing side effects.
Example: In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), identifying EGFR mutations through NGS allows for the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as Osimertinib, which significantly improve progression-free survival (PFS).
Monitoring Treatment Response and Resistance
Dynamic Assessment: NGS can be used to monitor genetic changes in tumors over time, providing insights into treatment response and the development of resistance. This dynamic assessment helps in adjusting treatment plans to maintain efficacy.
Example: In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), NGS can detect mutations in the BCR-ABL gene that confer resistance to first-line TKIs, guiding the switch to second-generation TKIs like Dasatinib or Nilotinib.
Benefits of NGS in Cancer Treatment
Improved Diagnostic Accuracy
Detailed Molecular Insights: NGS provides a comprehensive view of the genetic landscape of a tumor, improving diagnostic accuracy and enabling the identification of specific cancer subtypes. This detailed molecular understanding is crucial for selecting the most effective treatments.
Example: In prostate cancer, NGS can reveal mutations in genes such as ATM and BRCA2, which are associated with aggressive disease and can be targeted with PARP inhibitors like Rucaparib.
Enhanced Treatment Personalisation
Tailored Therapies: By identifying the genetic drivers of a patient’s cancer, NGS facilitates the development of personalised treatment plans that are more likely to succeed. This customisation enhances treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Example: In melanoma, NGS can detect BRAF mutations, enabling the use of BRAF inhibitors like Vemurafenib, which have shown significant improvements in patient survival rates.
Predictive Biomarkers
Therapy Guidance: NGS identifies predictive biomarkers that guide the selection of therapies most likely to benefit the patient. This predictive capability ensures that patients receive the most effective treatments from the outset.
Example: In colorectal cancer, the detection of KRAS mutations can predict resistance to EGFR inhibitors, guiding the use of alternative therapies that are more likely to be effective.
Broad Applicability
Multiple Cancer Types: NGS is applicable across various types of cancer, providing a versatile tool for oncologists. Its broad applicability ensures that patients with different cancer types can benefit from personalized treatment strategies.
Example: In ovarian cancer, NGS can identify homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), indicating potential benefit from PARP inhibitors like Niraparib.
Personalised Treatment Plans at Aagam Cancer Centre
At Aagam Cancer Centre, we utilize personalized molecular testing to create individualised treatment plans for each patient. This approach ensures that patients receive the most effective therapies based on their unique genetic profiles, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.
Case Study
Patient: A 55-year-old woman with advanced NSCLC.
Molecular Testing: NGS revealed an EGFR mutation.
Treatment Plan: Based on the molecular profile, the patient was treated with Osimertinib (Tagrisso).
Outcome: The patient experienced a significant reduction in tumor size and an improved PFS of 19 months.
Case Study
Patient: A 60-year-old man with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Molecular Testing: PCR identified a KRAS wild-type tumor.
Treatment Plan: The patient was treated with a combination of Cetuximab (Erbitux) and chemotherapy.
Outcome: The treatment resulted in an OS improvement of 4 months.
Why Choose Aagam Cancer Centre?
Expertise
Dr. Ashish Kaushal, a renowned cancer specialist, has extensive experience in personalized cancer care. His expertise ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatments based on the latest scientific advancements. This depth of knowledge in precision medicine helps us provide the best cancer treatment to patients in Ahmedabad and Gujarat.
Comprehensive Treatment
Our centre offers a range of services, including personalized molecular testing, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional chemotherapy. This comprehensive approach ensures that patients receive the best possible care tailored to their specific needs. Our use of genetic testing and molecular profiling is integral to our strategy, enhancing our ability to offer the latest cancer treatment options available.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Aagam Cancer Centre is equipped with the latest technology to provide cutting-edge cancer treatments. Our commitment to utilizing advanced molecular profiling techniques helps in designing precise and effective treatment plans. This advanced infrastructure supports our position as a leading chemotherapy centre and a hub for targeted therapy in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Choosing Aagam Cancer Centre means opting for a facility that priorities personalised care and leverages precision medicine to enhance treatment outcomes. Our approach, led by Dr. Ashish Kaushal, aligns with the best practices in modern oncology, ensuring that patients receive top-tier care that is both effective and tailored to their unique genetic profiles.
Visit us today to learn more about how personalised molecular testing can enhance your cancer treatment and improve your outcomes. By integrating the latest advancements in genetic testing and molecular profiling, we strive to provide the best cancer treatment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
