Publication date: 26.11.2024 18:57
Photo source: @mcsutiporn
Here’s how any location of cancer can be detected using genetic profiling.
Conf. university Dr. Viorica Rădoi, coordinator of the Department of Medical Genetics within SANADOR, comes with several expert explanations in the area of detecting forms of cancer and identifying exact locations with the help of genetic tests.
“Cancer is slowly becoming, with the help of genetic tests, less of an organ disease. Until now we knew that a patient has gastric cancer or lung cancer or liver cancer – but slowly things are moving towards genetic profiles of of the respective cancer, the consequence of which is that different locations of a cancer may receive the same type of treatment as the genetic profile that responds to the same type of treatment.How do you comment on this paradigm shift in opposition using tests genetics?” asked Dr. Irinel Popescu.
Dr. Viorica Rădoi, SANADOR: In practice, we make a personalized plan for the patient, knowing all possible locations
Dr. Viorica Rădoi explained: “Indeed, if there is a predisposition to various forms of cancer with hereditary transmission, there can be several locations. And when we detect a risk variant in a certain gene, we practically make a plan for the patient personalized, knowing all the possible locations. We try to do some screening methods – sure, we can’t prevent the cancer, it’s very true, but we can make an early diagnosis and we can do a treatment according to mutation, of the pathogenic variant. How about, for example, ovarian cancer, breast cancer – which have pathogenic variants in rebellious genes and respond to PARP inhibitors, specific for such a thing, and they are not the only ones.
There are also a lot of cancers in the hemato-oncological sphere, in fact, somehow, that’s where personalized medicine started – from chronic granulocytic leukemia with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. For lung cancer, as well, with pathogenic GFR variants, there is specific treatment. So, yes, in addition to the fact that an identified predisposition allows us to know roughly where a form of cancer is likely to occur and, implicitly, to make a plan accordingly – the treatment is the same. PARP inhibitors for ovarian cancer, for breast cancer, for prostate cancer, but those that have either somatic mutations, i.e. only at the tumor tissue level, or those that are hereditary and confer the genetic predisposition”.
Dr. Viorica Rădoi was present on the set of the show Academia de Sănătate, together with acad. prof. Dr. Irinel Popescu and the journalist Val Vâlcu.
Full interview here:
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(Ricky Gervais voice) Ah, cancer, the ultimate party crasher. Always showing up uninvited and making a bloody mess. But, you know, at least we’re getting better at figuring out how to kick it out. I mean, genetic profiling, eh? It’s like having a bouncer at the door, checking IDs and saying, “Sorry, mate, you’re not getting in here.”
(Lee Evans voice) Yeah, and it’s not just about finding out where the cancer is, it’s about knowing what kind of cancer it is. I mean, gastric cancer, lung cancer, liver cancer… it’s like trying to find a specific pub in a crowded city. But with genetic tests, it’s like having a satnav that says, “Ah, mate, I’ve got the exact location of that nasty tumor.”
(Rowan Atkinson voice) (in a silly voice) And it’s all about the genetic profiles, you see. It’s like having a special set of instructions that says, “Oh, this cancer likes to hang out in the liver, but it’s actually more of a breast cancer type.” (normal voice) Ah, yes, it’s all quite fascinating, really.
(Jimmy Carr voice) (sarcastically) Oh, great, so now we’re going to start treating cancers like they’re people with their own little personalities. “Oh, this cancer is a bit of a rebel, it likes to hang out in the ovaries.” (smirking) I mean, who wouldn’t want to hang out in the ovaries? It’s like the VIP section of the human body.
(Ricky Gervais voice) (laughing) Ah, but seriously, folks, this is some amazing stuff. I mean, Dr. Viorica Rădoi is saying that we can make personalized plans for patients based on their genetic profiles. It’s like having a bespoke suit for your cancer treatment. (chuckling) Although, I’m not sure I’d want a suit that’s been tailored to fit my cancer. That’s just a bit too… cozy.
(Lee Evans voice) Yeah, and it’s not just about the treatment, it’s about the prevention. I mean, if we can identify the genetic predispositions, we can start screening for it earlier. It’s like having a cancer detector that says, “Ah, mate, I think I’ve found something suspicious in your genes.”
(Rowan Atkinson voice) (in a silly voice) And then, of course, there are the PARP inhibitors. (normal voice) Ah, yes, those are the clever little drugs that target the specific genetic mutations. It’s like having a special kind of cancer ninja that sneaks in and takes out the bad guys.
(Jimmy Carr voice) (smirking) Although, I’m not sure I’d want to be treated with something called a PARP inhibitor. Sounds like something you’d use to silence a noisy relative at a family gathering. “Shh, quiet, I’m using a PARP inhibitor on you.”
(Ricky Gervais voice) (laughing) Ah, but seriously, folks, this is some incredible stuff. I mean, we’re living in a time where cancer is slowly becoming less of an organ disease and more of a genetic problem. And with genetic profiling, we’re getting closer to solving that problem. So, let’s raise a glass to the scientists and doctors who are working tirelessly to kick cancer to the curb. Cheers!
