The Role Of Personalised Diagnostics In Shaping Cancer Treatment Plans

As technology and genomic research progress, these diagnostics may become more accessible, enabling broader adoption across diverse populations and further enhancing the efficacy of cancer treatments.

Personalised medicine transforms modern healthcare by tailoring treatments to an individual's genetic profile, which is incredibly impactful in cancer care. In India, where cancer cases are rising, with over 1.4 million new diagnoses annually, this approach is increasingly relevant. Personalised diagnostics like genetic and biomarker testing help identify the unique characteristics of each patient's cancer, enabling more precise and effective treatment strategies. For instance, many initiatives are building comprehensive databases of genetic variations, enhancing personalised care for diverse cancer types across India.

Understanding Personalised Diagnostics In Cancer Care

• Personalised diagnostics in cancer care enable a precise approach to treatment by analysing each patient's unique genetic profile. Key techniques include genetic testing and biomarker analysis, which help identify specific mutations or proteins associated with cancer types. For example, identifying markers like HER2 in breast cancer or EGFR in lung cancer allows oncologists to customise treatments that specifically target these biomarkers, enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects.
• This approach is gaining traction in India as some initiatives map the genetic profiles of cancers common among Indian populations. Such diagnostics help predict treatment responses and can improve patient outcomes, increasing survival rates by as much as 30% in targeted cases. As more personalised diagnostic tools become accessible, the potential to transform cancer care in India continues to grow, with promising advancements in survival and quality of life for patients.

Impact On Treatment Outcomes And Patient Experience

• Personalized diagnostics in cancer treatment have been shown to significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling targeted and precise therapies. Personalized cancer therapy had a three-year survival rate of approximately 55%, compared to 25% in those receiving standard therapies. Techniques like genetic testing and biomarker analysis allow oncologists to understand the unique mutations driving an individual's cancer. This leads to customized treatment plans that enhance survival rates and reduce adverse effects. Advanced technologies, such as adaptive radiation therapy, are designed to adjust treatments in real time based on changes in the patient's tumour. This approach results in faster, more accurate treatments, minimizes side effects, and ultimately improves the quality of life for cancer patients.
• Despite these benefits, challenges such as high costs and limited accessibility hinder broader implementation in India. Efforts like the Genome India project aim to increase access by mapping common cancer profiles across diverse Indian populations, addressing some of these barriers. However, the costs associated with genomic analysis still need to be improved. Continued efforts to make personalized diagnostics more affordable could enable more Indian patients to benefit from these tailored therapies, improving long-term outcomes and survival rates.

Challenges And Future Prospects For Personalized Diagnostics In Oncology In India

• In India, personalized diagnostics for cancer treatment face significant challenges, primarily concerning cost and accessibility. Advanced diagnostic tools like genomic sequencing and molecular testing are often prohibitively expensive, limiting availability to only a fraction of the population. For many patients, especially those in rural and low-income settings, accessing these technologies can be challenging due to financial and infrastructural constraints. Furthermore, a lack of specialized facilities and trained professionals across the country complicates the integration of personalized diagnostics into routine oncology care.
• Despite these obstacles, the future of personalized diagnostics in India's cancer care landscape holds promise. The decreasing costs of genomic testing and innovations like AI-assisted diagnostics and liquid biopsies are paving the way for broader, more affordable access. For instance, AI-powered liquid biopsies have demonstrated unprecedented sensitivity in detecting circulating tumour DNA, enhancing early cancer detection. The Indian precision medicine market is projected to grow significantly, reaching $7.3 billion by 2028, indicating a strong potential for widespread adoption. As research continues to identify cancer-specific biomarkers, personalized diagnostics are expected to become a cornerstone of effective cancer treatment, potentially improving patient outcomes nationwide.

In conclusion,personalised diagnostics are crucial for advancing cancer care. They offer more accurate and tailored treatments that improve patient outcomes.

(Dr Shivani Sharma, Lab Director & Vice-President of Pathology Services, CORE Diagnostics, authored this article)