2 days ago
#HEALTH: Personalised cancer care brings hope
TRADITIONAL cancer treatment often takes a one-size-fits-all approach, with chemotherapy or radiotherapy delivered according to cancer type and stage. However, not every tumour behaves in the same way, even within the same type or stage.
This is where precision medicine plays a role. It tailors cancer treatment to each individual's genetic makeup, rather than applying the same treatment across the board.
By understanding the mutations that drive a patient's cancer, we can choose therapies that specifically target those mutations, resulting in better outcomes and fewer side effects, says Subang Jaya Medical Centre (SJMC) consultant pathologist Professor Dr Pathmanathan Rajadurai.
This helps doctors treat cancer more precisely, giving patients real hope for a better outcome.
At the heart of this approach is a technology called Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), a powerful genomic tool that can rapidly analyse tumour DNA. It enables oncologists to pinpoint genetic alterations that fuel cancer growth, helping them select treatments with surgical precision.
Today, genomic profiling is helping shape everything from early detection to personalised treatment planning and follow-up care.
"In the past, we relied on a series of tests that took time and may not have yielded a clear direction. Today, one genomic test can offer actionable insights, helping doctors to act quickly and more effectively," says Dr Pathmanathan.
A study conducted by Dr Pathmanathan and his team, titled 'Mutation Profiling of Lung Adenocarcinoma Using Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing: A Malaysian Perspective', revealed a significantly higher prevalence of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) mutations among Malaysian lung cancer mutations respond well to targeted therapies known as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) — drugs that target specific proteins involved in cancer cell growth.
They also found a rise in KRAS G12C mutations, often linked to smoking, which are now treatable with new precision drugs.
Additionally, the team observed more cases of ALK and ROS1 gene rearrangements, genetic changes that can also be matched with specific targeted therapies designed to slow or stop tumour growth.
These findings are consistent with international research, including a study published in the 'Journal of Thoracic Oncology', which similarly reported higher rates of EGFR and ALK mutations among Malaysian lung cancer patients compared with Western populations.
Dr Pathmanathan says this highlights the importance of using local genomic data to guide treatment decisions.
The published data is pivotal as it provides local insights to help clinicians identify the most effective therapies for Malaysian patients. It also supports early detection efforts.
