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Research and new methods

Precision medicine: treatment matched to the disease

Precision medicine means choosing treatment not only by the name of the diagnosis but by the specific genetic and biological features of the disease.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A doctor and a patient sitting together and looking at results on a tablet
Figure 1.A treatment plan built on test results

01Short answer

Two people may both have acute myeloid leukaemia, but with different mutations their treatment differs too. The genetic profile, biomarkers, age and general health are considered together. This helps choose a medicine that is likely to help and avoid unnecessary toxicity. But there is not yet a medicine for every mutation, and precision medicine does not mean a new medicine for everyone. Sometimes the best option is a clinical trial.

02Simple explanation

Chosen by biology.

Profile plus health.

Avoiding needless toxicity.

A drug for every mutation: not yet.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: precision medicine allows treatment to be chosen based on the genetic changes in a cancer.

NCI: new treatments are tested step by step, from the laboratory to clinical trials; only those proven safe and beneficial become standard care.

04What happens in the body?

Personalisation

Treatment is matched to the patient and the disease.

A puzzle piece
Figure 2.A puzzle piece — Precision medicine: treatment matched to the disease

Limits

Not every change has a medicine.

The chosen path
Figure 3.The chosen path — Precision medicine: treatment matched to the disease

How to read the news

Research news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.

Talk to your doctor

Show your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

05From research news to a conversation: four steps

Read, check, ask, decide together.

Read — From a trusted source.1ReadFrom a trusted source.
Check — Phase, participants, result.2CheckPhase, participants, result.
Ask — Show your doctor.3AskShow your doctor.
Decide — Together, without rushing.4DecideTogether, without rushing.
SourceA trusted site.
DoctorA personal explanation.
SafetyNot changing treatment yourself.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
PersonalisationTreatment is matched to the patient and the disease.
LimitsNot every change has a medicine.
How to read the newsResearch news brings hope, but not every advance suits everyone. Look at who it was tested in, at what phase and in how many people.
Talk to your doctorShow your doctor what you have read; they will explain how it relates to your diagnosis and treatment. Do not change your treatment on your own.

07Key terms

Precision medicine
Choosing treatment based on genetic information.
Genomic profile
A map of the genetic changes in the disease cells.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Profile.
  • Choose.
  • Review.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Is precision medicine used in my care?

In leukaemia, genetic testing is already standard; ask your doctor about your results.

Do genes decide everything?

No; age, health and your wishes matter too.

Is this advance right for me?

Only your treating doctor can say, based on your diagnosis, stage and condition.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is precision medicine used in my care?

  2. Do genes decide everything?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: precision medicine
  3. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  4. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  5. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  6. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Learn About Expanded Access and Other Treatment Options
  7. European Union. Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS) — public search
  8. World Health Organization (WHO). International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)
  9. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phase I clinical trial
  10. National Cancer Institute. NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: phase II clinical trial
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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