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Research and new methods

The future: more precise treatment

Precision medicine matches treatment to the genetic and biological features of the leukaemia. It already helps many patients and is expanding.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A single drop falling from a pipette into a measuring tube held in a gloved hand
Figure 1.Precision in the laboratory

01Short answer

What to expect: broader genetic panels at diagnosis, treatment stepped up or down according to MRD, more targeted medicines and combinations, and tracking how the leukaemia changes during treatment. The challenges: not every change has a medicine, tests and medicines are not available everywhere, and resistance can develop. Progress comes step by step through trials.

02Simple explanation

A genetic profile.

Decisions guided by MRD.

Targeted combinations.

The access problem.

03Scientific explanation

NCI: precision medicine uses genetic information about the patient and the tumour to guide treatment.

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?

Already available

Targeted medicines for BCR-ABL, FLT3, IDH and others.

A personal key
Figure 2.A personal key — The future: more precise treatment

In trials

New targets and individual strategies.

Monitoring
Figure 3.Monitoring — The future: more precise treatment

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
Already availableTargeted medicines for BCR-ABL, FLT3, IDH and others.
In trialsNew targets and individual strategies.
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
Treatment matched to the disease features.
Biomarker
A measure that helps choose treatment.
Clinical trial
Testing a new treatment with volunteers.
Evidence
A result confirmed by reliable research.

08Key points

  • Learn.
  • Ask your doctor.
  • Write it down.
  • Check the source.
  • Talk to your doctor.

09Frequently asked questions

Has my leukaemia been tested?

Ask your doctor which genetic tests were done.

Is there a targeted medicine for everyone?

Not yet.

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. Has my leukaemia been tested?

  2. Is there a targeted medicine for everyone?

  3. Is this advance right for me?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute. Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment
  2. National Cancer Institute. Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  3. National Cancer Institute. Biomarker Testing for Cancer Treatment
  4. National Cancer Institute. What Are Clinical Trials?
  5. National Cancer Institute. Phases of Clinical Trials
  6. National Cancer Institute. Using Trusted Resources
  7. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Evaluating Health Information
  8. U.S. National Library of Medicine. ClinicalTrials.gov
  9. KWF / NFK / IKNL. Kanker.nl
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The Drug Development Process
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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