The search for a cure for cancer: Are we closer?
Cancer cure has been a has long been sought after in the healthcare community for so long. Though there are various advancements when it comes to cancer treatments, which include targeted therapies, medications, etc., that help improve survival rates.
Cancer is a rapidly advancing disease. It’s constantly adapting. Its nature and characteristics are unpredictable. Cancer cells originate from our own cells, which grow, multiply and mutate erratically. uncontrollably. These rogue cells know how to escape our body’s immune system and how to resist certain treatments as well.
Each cancer patient is unique and will react differently to different cancer treatment. There is no one-size-fits-all cure. One treatment method might work for one person and not for another. This proves (and supports) the need for a personalized and individualized treatment approach.
The word ‘cure’ is very rarely used in cases of cancer. Doctors either tell that the cancer is in remission or there is no sign of disease. Even if the term cure is used, This usually means that a 5-year survival rate is high.
Cancer research has been ongoing for more than 200 years. Today , a new era of cancer care approaches has emerged to improve patient care and outcomes. This includes AI models, precision oncology, liquid biopsy and its subsequent testing applications, and other cutting-edge techniques.
Precision oncology
Precision oncology is said to be the best new weapon in our war against cancer. It involves studying the genetic makeup and molecular characteristics of each patient’s tumor. The approach helps identify specific cellular changes which cause cancer growth and spread. A major advantage of precision oncology is that it enables clinicians to design personalized treatment strategies.
AI models to predict cancer early
MIT Researchers developed a deep learning model capable of detecting breast cancer five years before clinical diagnosis.
Given the name Mirai, this AI model works based on mammography. The aim is to detect precancerous changes in high-risk women. It predicts a patient’s risk across various future time points and can include clinical risk factors like age and family history when available.
Another AI learning model called ‘Sybil” was developed to predict the risk of developing lung cancer six years in advance via a low-dose CT scan. This model is said to be trained using complex imaging data to show both short- and long-term lung cancer risk.
Liquid biopsy
Tissue biopsies that have been used for long to diagnose cancers are invasive and frequently require surgical intervention. Liquid biopsies have emerged as a less invasive way to help with providing information on the cancer. This might prove useful for earlier detection of cancer and help provide more serial information along the cancer journey in a less invasive manner. Sometimes surgery isn’t indicated, but information is still needed. This can ultimately help provide information that can help improve survival rates.
Immunotherapies
Immunotherapy is a treatment method that utilizes therapeutic options to stimulate or suppress the immune system to help the body fight cancer. Some immunotherapies, like CAR-T-cell therapy, are showing remarkable promise. It involves extracting T cells from the patient and altering them in the lab to enhance their cancer-fighting abilities. These cells are then reintroduced into the bodies. This personalized approach has led to significant breakthroughs in cancer treatment.
How RGCC contributes to the mission of finding a cure
RGCC was started with a core mission of eradicating cancer. We have been working towards the cause for 20 years. Our dedication to this cause has driven us to develop cutting-edge testing tools and therapies that saved the lives of thousands of patients worldwide.
Our team of dedicated scientists has contributed significantly towards personalized cancer care.
Tailored testing tools: We’ve developed tests that provide an understanding into each patient’s unique cancer profile.
Personalized therapies: Our research allows for the creation of tailored therapies designed specifically for each patient.
Early detection: Identifying cancer markers even before symptoms appear can be done with our advanced test.
Recurrence monitoring: Our test helps in keeping track of the effectiveness of treatment and chances of cancer recurrence when the patient is in remission. This helps in starting the treatment process early.
The progress in cancer research is promising. While fighting cancer is an arduous task, and this is further complicated by not being able to find the right treatment, the progress in cancer research and advancement provides much hope.
Every day there are lot of advancements made and opportunities are created towards bringing us closer to understanding this complex disease and developing more effective ways to combat it.
