From stem cells to precision oncology: How personalised medicine is reshaping healthcare

Medicine is no longer just about fighting diseases after they appear; it is about predicting and preventing them. The global healthcare ecosystem is entering an era where medical interventions are shaped entirely by an individual’s unique genetic makeup, lifestyle and clinical history.

Driven by breakthroughs in stem cell preservation, genetic testing, and precision oncology, personalised medicine is revolutionising how doctors intercept and treat complex conditions. This evolution marks a decisive departure from the rigid "one-size-fits-all" model toward therapies custom-tailored to a patient's biology. By flagging risks early and matching treatments to specific biomarkers, personalised healthcare aims to maximise therapeutic success while eliminating costly, unnecessary interventions.

A cornerstone of this next-generation model is stem cell banking. Thanks to their unique ability to transform into various cell types, stem cells sit at the center of research for blood disorders, immune therapies, and regenerative medicine. While not a guaranteed cure-all, preserving healthy stem cells at birth secures a powerful medical asset for the future, ready to deploy as regenerative science accelerates.

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Dr. Geetika Jassal, Medical Spokesperson, Cryoviva Life Sciences, said, “Stem cell preservation should be viewed as a long-term investment in a family’s future health. Medical science is advancing rapidly, and therapies that may seem limited today could become more effective and accessible in the future. By preserving stem cells at birth, families gain access to a unique biological resource that could potentially support future therapeutic applications. The true value lies in preparedness, as timely access to an individual’s own healthy stem cells could play an important role in treatment planning for certain critical health conditions as regenerative medicine continues to evolve.”

Personalised medicine is also reshaping cancer treatment. Earlier, cancer therapies were primarily determined by the location of the tumour, such as breast cancer or colon cancer. Today, oncologists increasingly examine the molecular and genetic characteristics of tumours to identify the mutations driving cancer and determine which therapies are most likely to benefit a particular patient.

This approach, known as precision oncology, enables doctors to use targeted therapies, immunotherapy and advanced diagnostic tools more effectively. It can help avoid treatments unlikely to work, reduce side effects and improve patients’ quality of life.

Dr. Tarang Krishna, Managing Director, Cancer Healer Center, said, “Cancer care has moved far beyond simply identifying where a tumour started. Two patients may have the same type of cancer, but their tumour biology and genetic mutations can be very different. Precision oncology helps us understand these differences and select treatments that are more specific to an individual’s cancer profile. This not only improves the chances of better responses but also helps avoid unnecessary treatment burdens. The future of cancer care will depend heavily on early testing and treatment plans designed around the patient, not just the disease name.”

Another major area where personalized medicine is making an impact is rare disease diagnosis. Many rare diseases remain undiagnosed for years because their symptoms often overlap with more common conditions. Patients and families may consult multiple doctors before receiving a definitive diagnosis. Genetic testing can help identify inherited conditions earlier, enabling doctors to plan more effective care strategies.

Dr. J.B. Sharma, Director, Medicine and Therapeutics, Oncology, Action Institute of Medical Oncology & Immunotherapy, Action Cancer Hospital, Delhi, said, “Personalized medicine is one of the most significant shifts in modern cancer care as it allows us to move beyond standard treatment protocols. Every cancer behaves differently, even when it appears similar on the surface. Through molecular testing and modern diagnostics, we can identify specific disease patterns and plan therapies that are more targeted to individual patients. This approach can improve treatment responses and support better quality of life. However, awareness remains equally important. Timely diagnosis can make a significant difference in treatment planning. The future of oncology will be driven by evidence-based and patient-specific decision-making.”

Dr. Sufi Roomi, Medical Spokesperson, Jolly Healthcare, said, “Rare diseases are often missed because they do not always present in familiar ways. A child or adult may experience symptoms for years, but without proper genetic investigation, the underlying cause may remain unidentified. This delay affects not only medical treatment but also the emotional and financial well-being of families. Genetic testing, early diagnosis and greater awareness can transform this journey by helping healthcare providers move from uncertainty to clarity and from delayed care to timely treatment decisions.”

Despite these advances, access remains a major challenge. Advanced genetic tests, targeted cancer therapies and rare disease diagnostics can be expensive and are still not widely available across many parts of India. Experts also highlight the need for stronger counselling services, greater awareness and improved insurance support to ensure that the benefits of personalized medicine reach more patients.