Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, cancer caused an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018.

Traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been the standard approach for many years. However, recent advances in technology and medicine have led to a revolution in cancer treatment, with two key changes leading the way.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a relatively new approach to treating cancer that involves using the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. The immune system is the body’s natural defense system, which fights off infections and diseases.

Scientists have now found ways to harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer.

There are several types of immunotherapy, including checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR T-cell therapy. Checkpoint inhibitors are drugs that block proteins that stop the body’s immune system from attacking cancer cells.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that bind to specific targets on cancer cells. CAR T-cell therapy involves removing a patient’s T cells from their bloodstream and modifying them to recognize and attack cancer cells when they are reintroduced to the patient’s body.

Solid tumors, such as lung cancer, bladder cancer, and melanoma, have been some of the most challenging cancers to treat with traditional methods. Recent clinical trials have shown promise in treating these cancers with immunotherapy.

In fact, the 2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to James Allison and Tasuku Honjo for their work in developing checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy.

Precision Medicine

Precision medicine is an approach to cancer treatment that involves tailoring treatments to the individual patient’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and other factors.

In the past, cancer treatments were often based solely on the type and stage of cancer. However, advances in genetic sequencing and analysis have allowed doctors to identify genetic mutations that are specific to a patient’s cancer.

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Through precision medicine, doctors can tailor treatments that target these specific genetic mutations. This approach can lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects than traditional treatments.

For example, the drug Herceptin is only effective in breast cancers that have a specific genetic mutation. By identifying this mutation, doctors can target the cancer cells with Herceptin, while avoiding unnecessary treatments that may cause side effects.

Another example is the drug Keytruda, which targets a specific protein found on some cancer cells. Keytruda has been shown to be effective in treating certain types of lung cancer and melanoma.

By testing for the presence of this protein in a patient’s cancer cells, doctors can determine whether Keytruda would be an effective treatment.

The Future of Cancer Treatment

The two key changes in cancer treatment – immunotherapy and precision medicine – are bringing hope to millions of cancer patients worldwide. As research continues, we can expect to see even more advances in cancer treatment.

For example, researchers are exploring the use of CRISPR gene editing technology to target cancer cells with greater precision.

Another area of research is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze patient data and develop personalized treatment plans.

AI can analyze massive amounts of data, such as genetic sequencing results and imaging scans, to find patterns that may be missed by human analysis. This technology could lead to even more effective and precise cancer treatments in the future.

Conclusion

Cancer is a complex disease that requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. Immunotherapy and precision medicine are two key changes that are revolutionizing cancer treatment.

With continued research and advances in technology, we can hope to see even more effective and precise treatments in the future.