Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy

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Rapid Communication - Journal of Cancer Immunology & Therapy (2025) Volume 8, Issue 1

Personalized Medicine and Adoptive Cell Therapy: The Future of Cancer Care

Alan Sanderson *

Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA

*Corresponding Author:
Alan Sanderson
Department of Medicine, Northwestern University, USA
E-mail: al.Sanderson@adaptimmune.com

Received: 03-Feb -2025, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-25-161379; Editor assigned: 04-Feb-2025, PreQC No. AAJCIT-25-161379 (PQ); Reviewed:18-Feb-2025, QC No. AAJCIT-25-161379; Revised:23-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. AAJCIT-25-161379 (R); Published:28-Feb-2025, DOI:10.35841/aajcit-8.1.253

Citation: Sanderson A. Personalized medicine and adoptive cell therapy: The future of cancer care. J Cancer Immunol Ther. 2025;8(1):253

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Abstract

  

Introduction

Cancer treatment has undergone significant advancements in recent decades, shifting from traditional chemotherapy and radiation to more precise and targeted therapies. Among the most promising developments are personalized medicine and adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which offer patient-specific approaches to combating cancer. Personalized medicine tailors treatments based on an individual’s genetic and molecular profile, while ACT harnesses the immune system to target cancer cells effectively. Together, these approaches represent the future of cancer care, offering hope for improved patient outcomes and reduced side effects [1].

Personalized medicine, also known as precision medicine, involves customizing cancer treatment based on an individual’s genetic makeup, lifestyle, and environmental factors. This approach relies on genomic sequencing, biomarker identification, and advanced diagnostic tools to develop targeted therapies. By understanding the genetic mutations driving a patient’s cancer, oncologists can select the most effective drugs while minimizing unnecessary treatments [2].

For example, targeted therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have transformed the treatment of lung cancer patients with EGFR mutations. Similarly, HER2-targeted therapies like trastuzumab have significantly improved survival rates in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Personalized medicine has also facilitated the development of liquid biopsies, which allow for non-invasive monitoring of tumor evolution and treatment response [3].

ACT is an immunotherapy strategy that enhances the body’s immune response to cancer. It involves the collection, modification, and reinfusion of a patient’s own immune cells to target and destroy cancer cells. The most well-known form of ACT is chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which has shown remarkable success in treating hematologic malignancies such as B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) [4].

CAR-T therapy involves genetically engineering T cells to express synthetic receptors that recognize specific antigens on cancer cells. This modification enhances the T cells’ ability to identify and attack tumors. The FDA has approved CAR-T therapies like tisagenlecleucel and axicabtagene ciloleucel, demonstrating durable remission rates in patients who previously had limited treatment options [5].

Beyond CAR-T therapy, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and T-cell receptor (TCR) therapy are emerging forms of ACT with potential for treating solid tumors (Rosenberg & Restifo, 2015). These therapies leverage the body’s natural immune response to specifically target tumor antigens, offering hope for cancers that are traditionally resistant to conventional treatments [6].

The benefits of personalized medicine and ACT are numerous. Personalized medicine reduces trial-and-error prescribing, enhances treatment efficacy, and minimizes adverse effects. Meanwhile, ACT provides a durable and targeted immune response, often resulting in long-term remission [7].

However, these approaches also face significant challenges. The high cost of genomic sequencing and ACT remains a barrier to widespread adoption. Additionally, ACT is associated with severe side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurotoxicity, requiring careful management. Furthermore, resistance mechanisms can develop, necessitating ongoing research to improve treatment durability and effectiveness [8].

The future of cancer treatment lies in integrating personalized medicine with ACT to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics will further refine patient selection, optimize treatment strategies, and predict patient responses. Additionally, the development of allogeneic (off-the-shelf) CAR-T therapies may enhance accessibility and reduce costs [9].

Combination therapies that integrate ACT with immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted therapies, and radiotherapy are also being explored to overcome resistance and enhance anti-tumor responses. As research continues, personalized medicine and ACT hold the potential to transform cancer care into a highly individualized and curative approach [10].

Conclusion

Personalized medicine and adoptive cell therapy represent the forefront of cancer treatment, offering precision, efficacy, and hope to patients worldwide. While challenges remain, ongoing advancements in genomic research, bioengineering, and immunotherapy promise to refine these approaches further. By harnessing the power of individualized medicine and the immune system, the future of cancer care is poised to be more effective, accessible, and patient-centered than ever before.

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