Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment designed to identify and attack specific genes, proteins, or pathways that contribute to cancer growth and survival. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy focuses only on cancer-specific mechanisms. This selective action helps reduce side effects and improve treatment outcomes.
Causes and Mechanism
Cancer develops due to genetic mutations that cause abnormal cell growth and uncontrolled division. These mutations can be inherited, caused by environmental exposure (such as smoking, pollution, chemicals), lifestyle factors, or occur spontaneously without a known reason.
Targeted therapy works by blocking:
- Growth factors that stimulate cancer cell division
- Signal transduction pathways that allow cancer cells to multiply
- Proteins that support tumor formation
- Angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) that supply nutrients to the tumor
- Specific genetic mutations such as HER2, EGFR, BRAF, and ALK
By shutting down these abnormal pathways, targeted drugs help shrink tumors, slow disease progression, and improve patient survival.
Symptoms That May Lead to Targeted Therapy Evaluation
Symptoms depend on the type of cancer but may include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Lumps or abnormal growths
- Chronic cough or breathing difficulty
- Pain that doesn’t resolve
- Prolonged fever
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Skin changes
When these symptoms appear, doctors may recommend diagnostic tests such as biopsy, imaging, and molecular profiling to check if the cancer has specific targets suitable for therapy.
Types of Targeted Therapy
- Monoclonal Antibodies:
These drugs attach to specific targets on cancer cells and block growth signals or deliver toxic substances directly to the tumor. - Small-Molecule Inhibitors:
These medicines enter the cancer cells and block internal processes such as enzyme activity or gene expression. - Angiogenesis Inhibitors:
They stop blood supply to the tumor, preventing growth and spread. - Immunotherapy Targeted Agents:
These enhance the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
Treatment Process
Before starting therapy, patients undergo genetic testing to identify mutations. Treatment is usually given orally (tablets) or intravenously. Regular monitoring through blood tests and scans is essential to assess progress and manage side effects such as skin rash, diarrhea, liver issues, or high blood pressure.