Hematology and Blood Disorders

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (202) 780-3397

Short Communication - Hematology and Blood Disorders (2024) Volume 7, Issue 2

The role of precision medicine in hematology: Tailoring treatments for optimal patient outcomes

Ember Storm *

Department of Pediatric Hematology, McGill University, Canada

*Corresponding Author:
Ember Storm
Department of Pediatric Hematology, McGill University, Canada
E-mail: Ember89@mcgill.calia

Received: 01-June-2024, Manuscript No. AAHBD-24-137799; Editor assigned: 04-June-2024, PreQC No AAHBD-24-137799 (PQ) Reviewed:15-June-2024, QC No. AAHBD-24-137799Revised:20-June-2024, Manuscript No. AAHBD-24-137799 (R); Published:27-June-2024, DOI:10.35841/aahbd-7.2.180

Citation: Storm E. The role of precision medicine in hematology: Tailoring treatments for optimal patient outcomes. Hematol Blood Disord. 2024;7(2):180

Visit for more related articles at Hematology and Blood Disorders

Introduction

Precision medicine, an innovative approach that tailors medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, has revolutionized the field of hematology. By leveraging genetic, environmental, and lifestyle information, precision medicine aims to optimize treatment efficacy and minimize adverse effects. This article explores how precision medicine is transforming hematology, with a focus on its application in diagnosing and treating blood disorders to achieve optimal patient outcomes [1].

One of the cornerstones of precision medicine in hematology is genetic profiling. Advances in genomic technologies, such as next-generation sequencing (NGS), allow for comprehensive analysis of a patient’s genetic makeup. Identifying genetic mutations and variations associated with blood disorders, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myelodysplastic syndromes, enables early diagnosis and risk stratification [2].

For example, in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the presence of the BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is a hallmark diagnostic marker. Similarly, in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), mutations in genes like FLT3, NPM1, and CEBPA guide prognostic assessments and therapeutic decisions. Genetic profiling not only helps in diagnosing these conditions but also in predicting disease progression and response to treatment [3].

Precision medicine has significantly advanced the development and use of targeted therapies in hematology. Unlike conventional treatments that affect both healthy and diseased cells, targeted therapies specifically attack cancer cells with minimal impact on normal cells, thereby reducing side effects [4].

One of the most notable examples is the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in CML. Drugs like imatinib, dasatinib, and nilotinib specifically inhibit the BCR-ABL1 protein, which is responsible for the uncontrolled proliferation of leukemic cells. This targeted approach has transformed CML from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition for many patients [5].

Similarly, in multiple myeloma, drugs such as bortezomib and lenalidomide target specific cellular pathways involved in the growth and survival of myeloma cells. Monoclonal antibodies like rituximab, which targets the CD20 antigen on B cells, have become standard treatment for certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma [6].

Precision medicine enables the creation of personalized treatment plans tailored to the individual patient’s genetic profile, disease characteristics, and overall health. This approach considers the unique genetic mutations present in a patient’s cancer, their potential response to specific drugs, and their risk of adverse reactions [7].

For instance, in patients with AML, the identification of FLT3 mutations informs the use of FLT3 inhibitors such as midostaurin in combination with chemotherapy. In addition, patients with favorable genetic profiles may be candidates for less intensive therapies, while those with high-risk mutations might benefit from more aggressive treatment or enrollment in clinical trials for novel therapies [8].

Personalized treatment plans also extend to supportive care. For example, pharmacogenetic testing can predict how patients metabolize certain drugs, allowing for dose adjustments that minimize toxicity and maximize efficacy [9].

CAR T-cell therapy involves engineering a patient’s T cells to express receptors that recognize and kill cancer cells. This approach has achieved impressive results in refractory or relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. By targeting specific antigens on cancer cells, CAR T-cell therapy exemplifies the principles of precision medicine, offering hope for patients with limited treatment options [10].

Conclusion

The integration of precision medicine into hematology represents a paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders. Genetic profiling, targeted therapies, personalized treatment plans, and advancements in immunotherapy are all enhancing the ability to tailor treatments to individual patients, thereby improving outcomes and reducing adverse effects. As research and technology continue to advance, precision medicine holds the promise of further transforming hematologic care, offering more effective and personalized treatment options for patients worldwide. The ongoing commitment to understanding the genetic and molecular underpinnings of blood diseases will undoubtedly lead to even more precise and successful interventions in the future.

References

  1. Döhner H, Wei AH, Löwenberg B. Towards precision medicine for AML. Nature reviews Clinical oncology. 2021;18(9):577-90.

    2. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  2. Peck RW. Precision medicine is not just genomics: the right dose for every patient. Annu Rev Pharma Toxicol. 2018;58:105-22.

    3. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  3. Diamandis M, White NM, Yousef GM. Personalized medicine: marking a new epoch in cancer patient management. Mol Cancer. 2010;8(9):1175-87.

    4. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  4. Tsimberidou AM, Fountzilas E, Nikanjam M, Kurzrock R. Review of precision cancer medicine: Evolution of the treatment paradigm. Cancer Treat Rev. 2020;86:102019.

    5. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  5. Moscow JA, Fojo T, Schilsky RL. The evidence framework for precision cancer medicine. Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 2018;15(3):183-92.

    6. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  6. Burke W, Psaty BM. Personalized medicine in the era of genomics. Jama. 2007;298(14):1682-4.

    7. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  7. Goldberger JJ, Buxton AE. Personalized medicine vs guideline-based medicine. Jama. 2013;309(24):2559-60.

    8. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  8. Pokorska-Bocci A, Stewart A, et al., . Personalized medicine': what’s in a name?. Personalized Medicine. 2014;11(2):197-210.

    9. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  9. Russell SJ, Rajkumar SV. Multiple myeloma and the road to personalised medicine. The Lancet Oncology. 2011;12(7):617-9.

    10. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

  10. Olopade OI, Grushko TA, Nanda R,et al.,. Advances in breast cancer: pathways to personalized medicine. Clinical Cancer Research. 2008;14(24):7988-99.

    11. Indexed at, Google Scholar, Cross Ref

Get the App