Is Precision Medicine the Future of Cancer Treatment? Dr. Shitij Kapur Explains
In the digital age, medical science is rapidly advancing, with one groundbreaking innovation gaining increasing attention—precision medicine. This revolutionary approach tailors treatments based on a patient’s genetic makeup, promising a more targeted and effective way to combat diseases, especially cancer.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Dr. Shitij Kapur, Vice-Chancellor & President of King’s College London, explained the transformative power of precision medicine.
What is Precision Medicine?
Traditionally, medicine offered a “one-size-fits-all” treatment for diseases. However, precision medicine takes a more personalized approach, allowing doctors to identify subtypes of diseases and prescribe treatments based on an individual’s genetics. “For a long time, we’ve been offering the same treatment to all patients with a specific disease. But with precision medicine, we can break diseases down into smaller entities,” Dr. Kapur says.
How Does It Help with Cancer?
Cancer, once thought of as a single disease, is now understood to have multiple variations based on genetic mutations. This knowledge allows doctors to select targeted therapies. For example, breast cancer, once seen as a single disease, is now categorized into several genetic subtypes, each requiring specific treatments.
Dr. Kapur explains, “When you do the genetics of it, you realise there are, let’s say, 4 types of breast cancer. They may look the same, but their genetic makeup is different, allowing for targeted treatments.”
Can You Afford It?
Despite the promising results, affordability remains a significant concern. Dr. Kapur highlights the exorbitant cost of precision medicine treatments, such as a treatment for metachromatic leukodystrophy, which costs 4.5 million US dollars per patient. He adds, “No one can afford it, even in the United States. It’s only available through insurance.”
The high cost is a challenge, but experts are hopeful that, as technology advances, the cost of these treatments will decrease, making them more accessible.
The Role of AI in Precision Medicine
Artificial intelligence (AI) is playing a crucial role in enhancing precision medicine by predicting disease risks. AI analyzes large datasets, including genetic and lifestyle information, to identify patterns that can predict individual risks for diseases. Dr. Kapur explains, “AI enhances predictive healthcare by analyzing detailed genetic and lifestyle data, which can predict your risk much more accurately than traditional methods.”
Accessibility in India
While precision medicine shows great promise, its availability in countries like India is limited. Unlike common medications for conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes, precision medicine is not widely accessible. However, Dr. Kapur remains optimistic, stating, “The hope is that genetics will guide treatment for common conditions like heart disease and blood pressure, leading to better treatments in the future.”
Precision medicine offers exciting possibilities for the future of healthcare, especially in cancer treatment. However, its high cost and limited availability still pose significant challenges that need to be addressed.
