Targeted Therapy

What is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy works by attacking specific molecules or proteins within cancer cells, limiting their growth and spread. It functions by:

1. Blocking growth signals: Preventing cancer cells from dividing and multiplying.
2. Enhancing the immune system: Helping the body’s natural defenses attack cancer cells.
3. Cutting off blood supply to tumors: Preventing them from receiving essential nutrients.

Symptoms and Causes

Cancers Treated with Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is effective in treating:

• Breast Cancer: Especially cases involving the HER2 protein.
• Lung Cancer: In patients with EGFR or ALK mutations.
• Leukemia (Blood Cancer): Such as Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).
• Melanoma (Skin Cancer): With BRAF mutations.
• Colorectal Cancer: Involving KRAS or BRAF gene mutations.

Why Targeted Therapy is Used

• Cancer cells contain genetic mutations that make them vulnerable to targeted drugs.
• The cancer has not responded to traditional chemotherapy.
• The goal is to minimize side effects by focusing only on cancerous cells.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnostic Tests for Targeted Therapy

To determine if a patient is eligible for targeted therapy, specialized tests are conducted:

• Genetic and Molecular Testing: Identifies mutations in cancer cells.
• Tissue Biopsy Analysis: Examines the tumor’s protein expression.
• Blood Tests: Tracks treatment response and detects biomarkers.

Types of Targeted Therapies

1. Monoclonal Antibodies: Bind to cancer cell surface proteins to block growth, such as Trastuzumab for HER2-positive breast cancer.
2. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs): Block signals that trigger cancer growth, like Imatinib for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
3. Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Prevent tumor blood vessel formation, such as Bevacizumab for colorectal cancer.
4. Immuno-Targeted Therapy: Boosts the immune system to detect and destroy cancer cells.

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Administration of Targeted Therapy

• Intravenous (IV): Injected directly into the bloodstream.
• Oral Medication: Taken as tablets or capsules on a scheduled basis.

Potential Side Effects

While more precise than chemotherapy, targeted therapy may still cause:

• Fatigue.
• High blood pressure.
• Skin rash and dryness.
• Digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Liver or kidney complications in some cases.

Effectiveness and Outcomes

• Targeted therapy is often more effective than chemotherapy for certain cancers.
• It provides personalized treatment, minimizing harm to healthy cells.
• It improves response rates and survival in advanced cancer cases.