In the realm of medical breakthroughs, few hold as much promise and potential as molecular targeted therapy (MTT) for cancer.
Royal Bahrain Hospital Medical and Hemato Oncology Consultant Dr Venkatesh Mushini discussed this significant shift in the world’s battle against cancer.
Cancer, a complex interplay of genetic abnormalities, has long posed a formidable challenge to medical science. However, amidst this daunting landscape, molecular targeted therapy emerges – a precision-guided approach that targets the specific genetic alterations driving cancer growth.
“At the heart of cancer treatment lies the quest for precision,” remarks Dr Mushini.
“MTT epitomises this precision by honing in on the specific genetic aberrations driving cancer growth, offering a tailored and potent strategy.”
One of the watershed moments in the evolution of targeted therapy occurred in 1971 when Judah Folkman illuminated the role of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels, in tumour progression. This discovery paved the way for the development of anti-angiogenic agents like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signal protein produced by many cells that stimulates the formation of blood vessels and receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) inhibitors, a substance that blocks the action of enzymes, which have since become integral components of cancer treatment regimens.
“However, our battle against cancer is far from over,” Dr Mushini underscores.
“We’re continually exploring novel therapeutic avenues, from agents that induce cancer cell death to those that harness the body’s immune system in the fight against cancer.”
Yet, amidst these triumphs lies a formidable adversary; drug resistance.
“Understanding the mechanisms driving drug resistance is paramount,” Dr Mushini stresses.
“Recent strides in gene editing technology offer promising avenues for unravelling this complex phenomenon.”
MTT represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment – a move towards more effective, less toxic therapies tailored to individual patients. It holds the promise of not just treating the disease, but also minimising the collateral damage to healthy cells.
To book an appointment at Royal Bahrain Hospital call 17246800 or WhatsApp 32181810.
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