Cancer drug hobbled by diagnostic-test confusion
A landmark cancer drug was approved last year to target tumours with specific mutations, no matter where in the body the cancer first took root. Yet physicians are struggling to identify which patients are likely to respond to the treatment, because of limitations in diagnostic tests to pick out molecular markers that indicate susceptible tumours.
Decision making regarding therpeutic strategies in cancer patients is complicated. How you can identify the mutations, how much you rely on the results, heterogeneity of tumoral cells, cost benefit of the treatment, insurance coverage, patient cooperation and many other factors.
Dear Abdallah
I basically agree with Zahra but could you indicate us which is the drug you mention or give some reference.
Thank you.
There are more number choices of drugs with same effects - may be slight variations . Example of - Doxorubicin and Daunorubicin. Each expert the protocol treatment is different . Other reason is same drug should not be continued for severity of toxic effects . Another reason new drugs manufacturer giving more benefits to the physicians who is prescribing their drugs !
Dear P Chitra
Protocols nowadays are quite standardized so usually almost all oncologist use the same or similar treatments.
Dear Tomas Koltai
Thanks for the answer. Yes, the protocol is specified / printed it is available at unit for follow up for duty doctors and nurses. Sometimes it will be changed to the toxic effects/ complications of the drugs. I have observed the treatment protocol of the drugs are different in hospital policy / expert recommendations are important for policy protocol administration in India.
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