Personalised Medicine in Cancer Treatment
Know about personalised medicine, in cancer treatment, how it works, its significance, and how to gain benefits from personalised treatment. Learn about the tips to support cancer treatment.
Written by Dr. Rohinipriyanka Pondugula
Reviewed by Dr. J T Hema Pratima MBBS
Last updated on 29th Aug, 2025
Cancer is a complex disease that affects millions of people worldwide. Traditionally, treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery have been the standard approaches. However, not all patients respond the same way to these treatments.
This is where personalised medicine comes in, a revolutionary approach that tailors cancer treatment based on an individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and specific type of cancer.
In this article, we’ll explore what personalised medicine is, how it works, and why it’s transforming cancer care.
Consult an Oncologist for Personalised Advice
What Is Personalised Medicine in Cancer Treatment?
Personalised medicine, also known as precision medicine, is a treatment approach that customises therapy based on a patient’s genetic profile, tumour characteristics, and overall health.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all approach, doctors analyse the patient’s cancer at a molecular level to determine the most effective treatment.
How Does It Work?
1. Genetic Testing & Tumour Profiling – A sample of the tumour is analysed to identify specific mutations or biomarkers that drive cancer growth.
2. Targeted Therapy – Drugs are selected to attack only cancer cells with those specific mutations, reducing side effects.
3. Immunotherapy – Boosts the patient’s immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.
4. Lifestyle & Environmental Factors – Diet, habits, and overall health are considered to create a holistic treatment plan.
Why Is Personalised Medicine Important?
1. More Effective Treatment – Since the therapy is tailored to the patient’s cancer, it often works better than standard treatments.
2. Fewer Side Effects – Unlike chemotherapy, which affects healthy cells, targeted therapies focus only on cancer cells.
3. Early Detection & Prevention – Genetic testing can identify cancer risks early, allowing for preventive measures.
4. Better Survival Rates – Studies show that personalised treatments improve outcomes for many cancer patients.
Who Can Benefit from Personalised Medicine?
While not all cancers currently have personalised treatment options, many types—such as breast, lung, colorectal, and melanoma—have seen significant advancements. Patients with:
- Advanced or hard-to-treat cancers
- Rare cancers with limited treatment options
- A family history of cancer (genetic predisposition)
- Failed responses to standard treatments
may benefit from precision medicine approaches.
How Can Patients Access Personalised Cancer Treatment?
1. Consult an Oncologist – A cancer specialist can guide you on whether genetic testing is right for you.
2. Genetic & Biomarker Testing – Tests like Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) analyse tumour DNA for mutations.
3. Clinical Trials – Many new personalised treatments are available through research trials.
4. Apollo24|7 Services – You can book a consultation with an oncologist or schedule genetic testing through Apollo24|7 for expert guidance.
Lifestyle Tips to Support Cancer Treatment
While medical treatments are crucial, lifestyle changes can also help improve outcomes:
- Eat a Balanced Diet – Focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Stay Active – Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can boost immunity.
- Avoid Smoking & Alcohol – These can interfere with treatment effectiveness.
- Manage Stress – Meditation and counselling can improve mental well-being.
The Future of Personalised Medicine
Research in precision medicine is rapidly evolving. Scientists are developing:
- More targeted drugs with fewer side effects.
- AI-driven treatment plans that predict the best therapies.
- Early detection tools to catch cancer before symptoms appear.
This means that in the coming years, cancer treatment will become even more precise and effective.
Final Thoughts
Cancer treatment is no longer a one-size-fits-all approach. With personalised medicine, patients now have access to therapies that are tailored to their unique needs, improving effectiveness and quality of life. If you’re considering this option, speak with your doctor to see how it can benefit you.
Consult an Oncologist for Personalised Advice
Consult an Oncologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Sunita Samleti
Oncologist
18 Years • M.D. (Pathology)- TN Medical College, Mumbai University, Mumbai, Mar 2005 M.B.B.S. Grant Medical College, Mumbai University, Mumbai, Oct 1999
Chinagadila
Apollo Hospitals Health City Unit, Chinagadila
Dr Gowshikk Rajkumar
Oncologist
10 Years • MBBS, DMRT, DNB in Radiation oncology
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr.sanchayan Mandal
Oncologist
17 Years • MBBS, DrNB( MEDICAL ONCOLOGY), DNB (RADIOTHERAPY),ECMO. PDCR. ASCO
Kolkata
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal Oncology Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal
Oncologist
17 Years • MBBS, DNB Raditherapy, DrNB Medical Oncology
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Gopal Kumar
Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Surgeon
15 Years • MBBS, MS , FARHNS ( Seoul, South Korea ), FGOLF ( MSKCC, New York )
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
Consult an Oncologist for Personalised Advice
Dr Sunita Samleti
Oncologist
18 Years • M.D. (Pathology)- TN Medical College, Mumbai University, Mumbai, Mar 2005 M.B.B.S. Grant Medical College, Mumbai University, Mumbai, Oct 1999
Chinagadila
Apollo Hospitals Health City Unit, Chinagadila
Dr Gowshikk Rajkumar
Oncologist
10 Years • MBBS, DMRT, DNB in Radiation oncology
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr.sanchayan Mandal
Oncologist
17 Years • MBBS, DrNB( MEDICAL ONCOLOGY), DNB (RADIOTHERAPY),ECMO. PDCR. ASCO
Kolkata
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal Oncology Clinic, Kolkata
Dr. Sanchayan Mandal
Oncologist
17 Years • MBBS, DNB Raditherapy, DrNB Medical Oncology
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Gopal Kumar
Head, Neck and Thyroid Cancer Surgeon
15 Years • MBBS, MS , FARHNS ( Seoul, South Korea ), FGOLF ( MSKCC, New York )
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(25+ Patients)
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