Dr. Rotkowitz Defines Personalized Medicine

Michael Rotkowitz, MD, medical oncologist, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Eastern Regional Medical Center, explains that the movement towards the use of targeted therapies and personalized medicine has resulted in the use of genetic markers and gene expression to help determine the best therapy.

However, Rotkowitz does not believe the personalization of medicine should stop at targeted therapy. He stresses that to truly personalize care each patient should be treated as an individual and not just a number in a trial. Not only should their genetics be considered but also their nutritional and physical well-being, which may require supplements, physical, or occupational therapy.

This type of mind-body approach allows the patient to get the most out of their therapy. Giving a targeted therapy to a patient who has a strong support system and a strong quality of life results in a better outcome.