What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific changes in cancer cells that help them grow, divide, or spread. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy that affect all fast-growing cells, targeted therapy “targets” these specific traits in cancer cells, often causing less damage to healthy cells.
How Does Targeted Therapy Work?
Targeted therapy drugs are designed to:
- Block Cancer Growth Signals: Some drugs block signals within the cell that tell it to grow or divide.
- Cut Off Cancer’s Blood Supply: Certain therapies prevent the growth of new blood vessels that cancer needs to thrive.
- Deliver Toxins Directly to Cancer Cells: Some targeted drugs deliver cancer-killing toxins directly to cancer cells, sparing healthy ones.
- Boost the Immune System: Some drugs help the immune system find and destroy cancer cells more effectively.
By focusing on cancer cells specifically, targeted therapy often causes fewer side effects compared to other treatments.
How is Targeted Therapy Given?
- Oral (Pills): Many targeted therapy drugs are available in pill form, making them convenient to take at home.
- Intravenous (IV): Some targeted therapies are given through an IV in a hospital or clinic, where medical staff can monitor you.
- Injection: Certain drugs may be given as injections under the skin or into the muscle, depending on the type.
Your doctor will determine the best delivery method based on your specific treatment plan.
Where and How Often Will You Receive Targeted Therapy?
- Where: Most targeted therapies are administered in outpatient clinics, though oral medications can often be taken at home.
- How Often: Treatment schedules vary depending on the type of cancer and specific drug. Some are taken daily as pills, while IV infusions might be scheduled weekly or monthly.
Your treatment plan will be designed specifically for you, with schedules tailored to maximize effectiveness and minimize side effects.
What to Expect with Targeted Therapy
- During Treatment: You may take targeted therapy daily or in cycles, where you receive treatment for a few weeks, then rest.
- Possible Side Effects: Side effects can vary but are often less severe than those from chemotherapy. Common side effects include fatigue, skin changes, nausea, and high blood pressure.
- Response Time: Targeted therapies may show results within a few weeks or months, but this varies by individual and cancer type.
The medical team will be there to support you, managing any side effects and helping you adjust to the treatment.
Preparing for Targeted Therapy
- Follow Dietary or Medication Guidelines: Your doctor may suggest certain foods or medications to avoid.
- Keep Your Healthcare Team Informed: Let your team know about all medications and supplements you’re taking to prevent unwanted interactions.
- Stay Hydrated and Rested: Drinking water and getting enough rest can help you manage any side effects.
- Comfort Items: If receiving IV treatments, bring comfort items like a blanket or book to help you relax during the session.
Preparing ahead can make treatment more manageable and comfortable.
Tracking Progress
Your doctor will monitor how well the targeted therapy is working through:
- Regular Check-Ups: Frequent check-ins allow your doctor to monitor progress and adjust your treatment if needed.
- Imaging Tests: Scans such as CT or MRI may be done regularly to track how the cancer is responding.
- Blood Tests: Blood work can show changes in cancer markers and assess the effects of the treatment on your organs.
Tracking progress helps ensure the treatment is effective and allows for adjustments to give you the best results.
Common Targeted Therapy Drugs
Here are some commonly used drugs in targeted therapy:
- Imatinib (Gleevec): Used for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Commonly used for HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Bevacizumab (Avastin): Often used for cancers like colorectal and lung cancer by blocking blood supply to tumors.
- Erlotinib (Tarceva): Typically prescribed for certain types of lung cancer.
- Rituximab (Rituxan): Used for some lymphomas and leukemias, targeting specific proteins on cancer cells.
These drugs target specific proteins or markers in cancer cells, making them powerful and precise options for cancer care.
Targeted therapy provides a focused approach to treating cancer by specifically attacking cancer cells while leaving healthy cells less affected. Combined with personalized care, PAPs, and ongoing progress tracking, targeted therapy offers a powerful path toward healing and hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that focuses on specific changes in cancer cells, attacking them precisely to stop growth, spread, and survival.
It works by blocking growth signals, cutting off blood supply, delivering toxins directly to cancer cells, and boosting the immune system.
It's used when traditional treatments aren't effective or for cancers that respond well to targeted treatment.
It can be taken orally as pills, through an IV, or via injections, depending on the specific drug and treatment plan.
You may experience fewer side effects than chemotherapy, such as fatigue, skin changes, or nausea. Progress may take a few weeks to months.
Oncare offers personalized, cutting-edge care with a team of specialists and tailored treatment plans. We focus on precision and patient comfort.
Oncare ensures affordability through competitive pricing and by working with patient assistance programs to reduce the financial burden of treatment.
Yes, side effects can occur but are usually less severe than chemotherapy. Common ones include fatigue, skin issues, nausea, and high blood pressure.
Your doctor will use regular check-ups, blood tests, and imaging scans like CT or MRI to monitor how well the therapy is working.
Some commonly used drugs include Imatinib (Gleevec), Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Bevacizumab (Avastin), Erlotinib (Tarceva), and Rituximab (Rituxan).