Targeted Therapy
What is Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a specialized approach to treating cancer that identifies and destroys specific types of cancer cells. It can be used independently or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Understanding how it works and what to expect can help you prepare for treatment and make informed decisions about your care.
How It Works:
Targeted therapy for cancer focuses on particular proteins that regulate the growth, proliferation, and spread of cancer cells. This approach, known as precision medicine, utilizes information about DNA alterations and cancer-promoting proteins to develop therapies that specifically target these proteins.
Subtypes of Therapy:
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These therapies work by enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells, some of which are considered immunotherapies.
- Small-Molecule Drugs: These compounds inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells and include angiogenesis inhibitors, which prevent the development of new blood vessels around tumors.
Cancer Treated with therapy
Clinical trials are investigating numerous new targets and medications in the expanding field of targeted cancer treatments. Some current examples include breast cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, hepatocellular cancer, uterine cancer, and thyroid cancer.
Benefits of Targeted Therapy
- Aids the immune system in targeting cancer cells.
- Stops cancer cells from proliferating and spreading.
- Inhibits factors that promote blood vessel development.
- Delivers chemicals that kill cancer cells directly to the tumor site.
Downside of Targeted Therapy
- Targeted therapy may lead to cancer cells becoming more resistant over time.
- Resistance can occur when the target changes or when cancer cells develop new ways to multiply.
- Targeted therapy may work best when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Targeted Therapy Treatment Methods
- IV Infusion: Medication is delivered directly into a vein using a plastic bag and tubing connected to a catheter.
- Oral Targeted Therapy: Medication is taken orally, typically at home, in the form of tablets, capsules, or liquid.
Side Effects Of Targeted Therapy
- Skin reactions such as rashes, sensitivity, or flakiness.
- Gastrointestinal issues including diarrhea.
- Impaired wound healing or blood clotting.
- Elevated blood pressure and fatigue.
Medications Used
Examples of targeted therapy medications include Trastuzumab, Rituximab, small molecule inhibitors like sunitinib, axitinib, lenvatinib, and immunotherapy drugs like enfortumab vedotin-ejfv (Padcev) and erdafitinib (Balversa).
Post-Treatment Care:
Regular follow-up care is essential to manage long-term side effects and monitor for new ones through physical exams and diagnostic procedures.
Do’s during treatment
Maintain hydration
Observe good hygiene
use sunscreen when outdoors.
Dont’s During the Treatment
Skip meals
Avoid contact with sick individuals
Eat raw or undercooked food
Attend large gatherings.