from exposure to sunlight, tobacco,
and other things in the
environment that can damage
genes. But some cancer-causing
genes can also be passed down
from your parents.
These insights have led scientists
to look for the unique
genetic features of each person’s
tumor and then attack those
specifically.
“Many times, we’re trying
to turn off certain pathways
in the tumor that are activated
and that cause it to continue to
grow,” LoRusso says. This type
of treatment is called “targeted
therapy” because the drugs target
the specific changes in cancer
cells that help them to survive
and spread.
Doctors can now send a sample
of the tumor to a lab to identify
important genetic changes.
The doctor can then match the
unique changes with the treatment
that is most likely to help.
“There are several drugs that
are now on the market that have
made a huge impact in the treatment
of several types of cancer,”
LoRusso says.
Genetic testing isn’t available
yet for many types of cancer.
NIH-funded studies are looking
for ways to develop targeted
therapies for more cancer types.
Another approach researchers
are taking is to use a patient’s
own disease-fighting cells, called
immune cells, to find and kill
cancer cells in their body. Scientists
have successfully inserted
cancer-fighting genes into
a patient’s immune cells. Two
such therapies were recently approved
by FDA. They are the
first two gene therapies ever approved
by FDA.
Cancer treatment is changing
very quickly. Ask your doctor
about the newest treatments
for your type of cancer.
“It’s your right and responsibility
to make sure you’re getting
the right treatment, and
that may involve wanting to get
a second opinion,” LoRusso advises.
Most doctors welcome a
second opinion.
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