Targeted therapy
The cancer patient’s journey
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted Therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to specifically identify and attack cancer cells while sparing most of the normal, healthy cells. This approach differs from traditional chemotherapy, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to more widespread side effects.
How Does Targeted Therapy Work?
Cancer cells have unique characteristics that differentiate them from normal cells, such as specific proteins or genetic mutations that help them grow, divide, and spread. Targeted Therapy drugs are created to find and attack these specific features, effectively blocking the cancer cells’ growth and survival mechanisms.
Types of Targeted Therapy:
Monoclonal Antibodies: These are lab-made molecules that can bind to specific targets on the surface of cancer cells. Some monoclonal antibodies mark the cancer cells so the immune system can find and destroy them. Others can directly block the cancer cells’ growth signals or deliver toxic substances directly to the cancer cells.
Small Molecule Inhibitors: These drugs can enter cancer cells and disrupt the internal processes that are necessary for cancer cell growth and survival. They often block enzymes or proteins that the cancer cells need to grow.
Examples of Targeted Therapy:
HER2 Inhibitors: Used in breast cancer patients whose tumours have too much of the HER2 protein.
EGFR Inhibitors: Used for certain types of lung cancer where the cancer cells have mutations in the EGFR gene.
VEGF Inhibitors: Used to block the blood supply that tumours need to grow.
Benefits of Targeted Therapy:
Precision: Specifically targets cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy cells.
Effectiveness: Can be highly effective for cancers with identifiable targets.
Fewer Side Effects: Generally, causes fewer and less severe side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Possible Side Effects:
While Targeted Therapy is generally more precise, it can still cause side effects. Common side effects include:
Skin Rashes
Fatigue
Diarrhoea
High Blood Pressure
Your healthcare team will monitor you closely and help manage any side effects that occur.
Is Targeted Therapy Right for You?
To determine if Targeted Therapy is appropriate, your doctor may perform genetic tests on your cancer cells to identify specific targets. Not all cancers have targets that can be treated with Targeted Therapy, but for those that do, it can be a highly effective treatment option.
What to Expect:
Treatment Plan: Your doctor will create a personalized treatment plan based on the type of cancer and its specific characteristics.
Administration: Targeted Therapy drugs can be administered orally (in pill form) or intravenously (through an IV).
Monitoring: Regular check-ups and tests will be conducted to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and manage any side effects.
At Mountain View Oncology, we are dedicated to providing advanced, personalized cancer care. If you have questions about Targeted Therapy and how it might help you, our team is here to provide support and detailed information tailored to your needs.