Mutatiebehandelingen

Mutatiebehandelingen, also known as mutatietherapieën, are a class of cancer treatments that target specific genetic mutations found in cancer cells. These treatments are designed to interfere with the abnormal proteins produced by these mutations, effectively halting or slowing the growth of cancer cells.

The most common type of mutatiebehandeling is tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which block the activity of specific enzymes called tyrosine kinases. These enzymes are often overactive in cancer cells and play a crucial role in their growth and survival. Examples of TKIs include imatinib, used to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, and gefitinib, used to treat non-small cell lung cancer.

Another type of mutatiebehandeling is immune checkpoint inhibitors, which help to restore the body's immune response against cancer cells. These treatments work by blocking proteins that inhibit the immune system, allowing immune cells to better recognize and attack cancer cells. Examples include nivolumab and pembrolizumab, used to treat various types of cancer.

Mutatiebehandelingen are typically used in combination with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, to maximize their effectiveness. They are often used in the treatment of advanced or metastatic cancer, where other treatments have not been effective.

Research into mutatiebehandelingen is ongoing, with new treatments and combinations being developed and tested. These treatments hold promise for improving outcomes for cancer patients and may eventually lead to personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to the specific genetic mutations present in a patient's cancer.