Did you know that cancer doesn’t behave the same way in every person? For example, two people may both have lung cancer, but the cancer cells in each can grow and spread differently.. 1
The reason lies in our DNA. Some cancers are linked to genetic mutations inherited from family, while many others develop from mutations that occur during a person’s lifetime.¹,²
They change the way cells function – for example, by stopping cells from repairing themselves or by making them grow uncontrollably. Because of these unique genetic changes, two patients with the same type of cancer may respond very differently to the same treatment.
This is where genetic profiling becomes crucial. Unlike hereditary cancer screening, which checks for inherited risks passed down in families, genetic profiling studies the DNA of the cancer cells themselves. This information helps doctors understand what is driving the tumour’s growth, how it may spread, and which treatments are most likely to work. In many cases, genetic profiling provides the roadmap for more targeted and personalised medicine. 2
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What is Genetic Profiling?
Every person’s body has cells that can undergo changes over time. In most cases, these cells grow and divide normally without causing harm. However, when certain mutations occur, some cells begin to grow and divide abnormally. This abnormal growth forms a tumour, which can spread and damage healthy tissues if left unchecked. 3
In some cases, treatment can delay their development, but not stop or reverse it totally. Genetic profiling involves a DNA analysis of these cancer cells to understand the mutations or abnormalities that drive the tumour growth. 4
Since cancer is a genetic disease caused by changes in DNA, identifying and studying these changes can help doctors to: 4
- Understand the primary reason why the cancer developed
- Predict how it may progress
- Choose treatments that may work for that individual
Genetic profiling enables doctors to offer precision medicine and personalised, targeted treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Why Genetic Profiling Matters in Advanced Cancer Management?
There are various benefits of genetic profiling in advanced cancer management. They include: 2
1. Accurate Diagnosis Beyond Conventional Tests
While conventional tests often categorise cancers based on location, i.e., lung, breast, colon, etc, genetic profiling uncovers the different reasons why an individual may have a certain type of cancer. Conventional tests often have a limitation in detecting only the location of the cancer. And, since two patients with the same type of cancer may have vastly different genetic mutations, conventional tests do not provide complete information. Genetic profiling uncovers these differences, helping to make a more accurate diagnosis about not just ‘where the cancer is’, but also ‘what is causing the cancer’.
2. Enabling Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy or personalised medicine in oncology is one of the biggest breakthroughs in recent years. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all the rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies only focus on specific genetic mutations fueling the cancer.
For instance, some breast cancers have extra copies of a gene called HER2, which makes the cancer grow faster. Drugs that block HER2 can slow or stop these cancers, without affecting other healthy cells. 5 Without genetic profiling, doctors wouldn’t know which patients would benefit from this precise treatment.
3. Improving Treatment Outcomes
Genetic profiling improves the chances of treatment success by targeting the specific gene mutations driving cancer growth. This precision approach not only increases survival rates but also reduces unnecessary side effects from broader treatments like chemotherapy.
4. Monitoring Resistance and Recurrence
Genetic profiling also helps to track any resistance developed by cancer cells to initial therapies. This enables doctors to monitor and adjust treatment strategies before the disease progresses further. For patients battling advanced cancers, this approach offers longevity and better treatment outcomes.
5. Guiding Immunotherapy Decisions
Immunotherapy is a treatment given to boost the body’s natural defence against cancer. This treatment has shown remarkable results in some patients. But as the results differ in different patients, genetic profiling plays a vital role. It helps in identifying biomarkers that can predict a patient’s response to immunotherapy, thereby ensuring that doctors prescribe only when the biomarkers promise positive results.
Limitations of Genetic Profiling
While genetic profiling is beneficial, it does come with challenges: 2
- Cost and Accessibility: Advanced genetic testing can be expensive and is not yet widely available in all healthcare setups.
- Complex Interpretation: Not all genetic mutations have established treatment guidelines, leaving some results uncertain.
- Ethical Concerns: Questions about genetic data privacy and long-term implications remain.
Despite these limitations, the benefits of genetic profiling cannot be ignored. Advanced research is being conducted to understand and interpret genetic profiling better and to make it more affordable and accessible.
The Future of Cancer Management with Genetic Profiling
Precision medicine for cancer treatment is a recent breakthrough. Genetic profiling plays a vital role in precision medicine. In the future, we can expect: 2
- Faster and cheaper genetic testing being accessible to more patients.
- AI-powered interpretation of genetic data for quicker and more accurate insights.
- More targeted therapy options for a wider range of mutations.
- Preventive healthcare models, where people at risk of hereditary cancers get early interventions.
Wrapping Up
Genetic profiling has proved to be a revolutionary step in cancer diagnosis and treatment. By revealing the DNA behaviours of the cancer cells, doctors can now choose the right treatment at the right time, thereby improving both the survival rate and the quality of life of the patients. Hopefully, it will become more accessible and affordable in the coming years, helping doctors navigate the challenges of treatment better.
