Cancer treatment is no longer one-size-fits-all. Advances in precision medicine have changed how doctors diagnose and treat cancer. At the heart of this progress is molecular testing, which looks at the genetic and molecular features of a tumour. Among these tests, mutation testing is very important. It identifies specific changes, or mutations, in the DNA of cancer cells that drive tumour growth.
These mutations act like biomarkers, helping doctors choose targeted therapies or immunotherapies that work best for a particular patient. Instead of using broad treatments like chemotherapy or radiation alone, mutation testing allows doctors to match therapy to the biology of the cancer, improving effectiveness and reducing unnecessary side effects.
Unfortunately, mutation testing is often done later in treatment, after standard therapies have failed. When testing is delayed, treatment options become limited, the chances of success drop, and patients face more physical and emotional stress.
According to Dr Susovan Banerjee, Associate Director, Radiation Oncology at Medanta Gurugram, mutation testing, also called genomic profiling, examines a tumour’s DNA for defects that control cancer growth. By identifying these mutations early, doctors can prescribe therapies specifically designed to target them.
Performing mutation testing at the start of treatment has many benefits.
Better decision-making: Early testing helps oncologists select the most effective treatments immediately, avoiding months of trial-and-error therapy and side effects.
Access to targeted therapies: There are many modern drugs designed to block specific mutations, such as EGFR, ALK, HER2, BRAF, and KRAS. These drugs only help if the relevant mutation is identified early, ideally before the first round of treatment begins.
Participation in clinical trials: Early testing also opens doors to clinical trials and next-generation therapies that may not be widely available. This can provide patients with access to advanced treatments that could make a difference in survival and recovery.
Cost and quality of life: While mutation testing may seem like an extra step, it can save money by avoiding treatments that are unlikely to work. It also protects patients from the side effects of ineffective therapies, maintaining their quality of life during treatment.
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Delaying mutation testing can be dangerous. Patients who undergo multiple rounds of chemotherapy or radiation before testing may already have treatment-resistant tumour cells. What could have been a precise, targeted therapy early on may become less effective as cancer evolves.
Experts stress that mutation testing should not be a last step, but the very first step in cancer treatment. Healthcare providers, insurance companies, and policymakers must understand its long-term benefits and make early testing standard practice.
Cancer is not a single disease. Each tumour has unique genetic drivers, making personalised treatment essential. Treating cancer without knowing its genetic makeup is like navigating without a map. Early mutation testing ensures that patients receive therapies tailored to their cancer from the beginning, improving chances of success.
In the era of precision medicine, early detection and genetic profiling are critical. By making mutation testing a standard first step, doctors can offer patients targeted and effective treatment, avoiding unnecessary delays and improving survival rates. With early action, the fight against cancer becomes smarter, safer, and more effective.
In conclusion, mutation testing is a life-saving tool that should be performed at the start of cancer treatment. It guides therapy choices, opens access to advanced drugs and clinical trials, and protects patients from ineffective treatments. Early testing gives patients the best chance of survival and a higher quality of life, making it an essential step in modern cancer care.
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