Articles related to PRECISION MEDICINE

Learn about a ground-breaking strategy for treating uncommon brain tumors like papillary craniopharyngiomas (PCPs), where precision medicine and BRAF/MEK inhibitors marked a major improvement in brain cancer treatment by drastically reducing tumor size.

A small study on a pancreatic cancer vaccine has shown promising results, sparking cautious optimism among oncologists. The vaccine, when given alongside chemotherapy to 16 pancreatic cancer patients, stimulated an immune response in half of them, with no signs of disease recurrence after 18 months. Although the vaccine’s long-term success and market viability are yet to be determined, the study provides valuable insights into targeting pancreatic cancer and the potential use of the immune system in treating various types of tumors. Notably, the study demonstrates the feasibility of developing a personalized vaccine quickly enough to make a difference, utilizing technologies like inexpensive genome sequencing, AI, and mRNA. Additionally, the research suggests that an mRNA vaccine can generate an immune response even in cancers with few mutations, suggesting broader applications for personalized cancer vaccines. The study underscores the importance of early diagnosis and intervention for pancreatic cancer. Currently, pancreatic cancer has a five-year survival rate of just 12%, making it one of the deadliest cancers. By 2030, it is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the US. However, recent advancements offer hope. Another study utilizing artificial intelligence analyzed medical records of millions of patients and identified […]

Pfizer and Thermo Fisher Scientific have partnered to expand access to next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based testing for lung and breast cancer patients in over 30 countries across Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The collaboration aims to address the limited availability of advanced genomic testing in these regions. Local access to NGS testing can provide faster analysis of associated genes, enabling healthcare providers to select the most appropriate therapy for individual patients. Thermo Fisher will identify local laboratories that will use their NGS technology and ensure they meet industry standards, while Pfizer will explore ways to make NGS testing affordable and raise awareness among healthcare providers. The companies plan to expand geographically and extend testing to other types of cancer. The global burden of cancer is expected to rise significantly, with breast and lung cancer being the leading types responsible for millions of deaths worldwide. To improve treatment outcomes, the collaboration seeks to deliver precision insights to underserved patients through rapid NGS testing conducted in decentralized labs closer to where patients are treated. The program aims to provide tailored care for cancer patients worldwide, acknowledging that individualized approaches based on precise disease characteristics are often required. By adopting next-generation […]