Precision sarcoma treatment is changing how doctors care for patients with soft tissue sarcomas (STS). A recent study reveals that using QPOP, a personalized approach, helps match patients with therapies that work best for their tumors. As a result, more patients could benefit from treatments tailored to their unique cancer profile.
Why Soft Tissue Sarcomas Need Targeted Treatment
Soft tissue sarcomas are rare cancers. They account for less than 1% of all cases but are more common in children and young adults. Because they vary greatly in type and behavior, one-size-fits-all treatments are often ineffective. Consequently, many patients face poor outcomes and limited options.
Precision Sarcoma Treatment with QPOP
In this new study, researchers from A*STAR, NCCS, and NUS, working with KYAN Technologies, tested the QPOP platform. Instead of relying solely on genetic markers, QPOP evaluates how live tumor cells respond to different drugs. Therefore, it delivers fast, personalized data to help guide therapy.
Key Results from Personalized Therapy
- QPOP correctly predicted drug response in over 70% of patients.
- It identified AZD5153 and pazopanib as an effective drug duo for several cases.
- The turnaround time from biopsy to results was just seven days.
Benefits of Personalized Sarcoma Therapy
This type of precision sarcoma treatment could replace trial-and-error methods. Furthermore, it reduces side effects by avoiding drugs that are unlikely to work. Doctors can now select therapies based on how each patient’s tumor behaves, not just its genetic code.
“This study marks a pivotal step toward transforming how we treat rare and aggressive cancers like soft tissue sarcomas,” said Dr. Toh from NUS. “QPOP allows us to match patients with optimized drug combinations quickly and safely.”
The Future of Functional Precision Medicine
The success of QPOP in sarcoma treatment opens the door to broader applications. The research team hopes to expand this precision approach to other hard-to-treat cancers. As personalized therapy advances, more patients may gain access to effective, targeted treatment.
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This article is based on findings from npj Precision Oncology and coverage from News-Medical.net.
