Riad Hajdarevic is engaged in pioneering immunotherapy treatments for cancer, focusing on redesigning the tumour microenvironment and applying personalised therapies in the fight against cancer.
Dr Riad Hajdarevic, a researcher at the Institute for Cancer Research at Oslo University Hospital and a lecturer at the International Burch University, specialises in innovative immunotherapy methods for cancer treatment. His work focuses on redesigning the tumour microenvironment and applying personalised therapies, using advanced techniques such as regulatory T cells. With a PhD in immunology from the University of Oslo, where he researched autoimmune diseases, Dr Hajdarevic brings extensive knowledge and a passion for science. His dedication to research and education bridges cutting-edge scientific achievements with teaching, providing students at the International Burch University with insights into the latest innovations in immunotherapy and oncology.
Hajdarevic provides valuable insights into the future of cancer treatment through the development of personalised therapies, as highlighted in his recent discussion with "Voice of America".
The Shift to Personalised Therapies
Cancer treatment has traditionally relied on broad-spectrum approaches such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery. However, these methods often produce varying results across patients, due to differences in genetic makeup, tumour types, and overall health conditions. Personalised therapies, which are rapidly gaining attention in the medical community, offer a more precise approach, targeting the specific genetic mutations and molecular profiles of individual tumours.
According to Hajdarevic, this new era of treatment is marked by a deeper understanding of the genetic and molecular foundations of cancer. Advances in genomics and bioinformatics allow researchers to analyse patients' genetic information and develop therapies that specifically target the unique traits of their tumours. This leads to more effective treatments with fewer side effects, improving overall patient outcomes.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Treatments
A key aspect of personalised cancer therapy is immunotherapy, which uses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. Hajdarevic emphasises the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cell therapy, both of which have shown significant promise in treating cancers that were previously considered untreatable. These therapies harness the patient’s immune cells, reprogramming them to recognise and attack cancer cells.
In addition to immunotherapy, targeted treatments are also at the forefront of personalised medicine. These therapies work by identifying specific proteins or genetic mutations that drive cancer growth and creating drugs to interfere with these processes. This approach has already yielded impressive results in treating certain types of leukaemia and lung cancer, where targeted drugs can effectively inhibit cancer progression.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the advancements, Hajdarevic notes that personalised cancer therapy is not without challenges. The cost of genomic testing and the development of tailored treatments can be prohibitively expensive for many healthcare systems. Additionally, while personalised therapies have shown great promise, they are not yet universally available for all cancer types. Hajdarevic advocates for continued investment in research, collaboration between institutions, and the implementation of more affordable technologies to ensure that these innovative treatments can reach a broader population.
Looking ahead, Hajdarevic envisions a future where personalised cancer treatment becomes the standard of care. He highlights the importance of ongoing clinical trials and the role of artificial intelligence in accelerating the discovery of new biomarkers and therapies. As research in this field continues to expand, the potential for curing even the most aggressive forms of cancer seems increasingly within reach.
Conclusion
The shift towards personalised cancer therapies represents a significant breakthrough in the treatment of one of the world’s most challenging diseases. Riad Hajdarevic’s insights offer a glimpse into a future where cancer care is not only more effective but also tailored to the unique needs of each patient. With continued advancements in genomics, immunotherapy, and targeted treatments, the outlook for cancer patients is becoming increasingly hopeful. However, overcoming the challenges of accessibility and cost will be key to ensuring that these life-saving treatments can benefit patients worldwide.
Interview available at: https://ba.voanews.com/a/personalizirane-terapije-riad-hajdarevi%C4%87-o-budu%C4%87nosti-lije%C4%8Denja-raka/7783529.html
