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Treating Cancer at ALL Levels || Modern Cancer Therapies Targeted . Immuno . Precise
Targeted Therapy
Targeted drugs act on specific molecular changes in cancer cells (eg. EGFR, HER2, BRAF, ALK). They often have different side effect profiles than chemotherapy and can be oral or IV.
Introduction
Targeted therapy is a modern approach to cancer treatment that focuses on attacking specific genes, proteins, or pathways that cancer cells use to grow and survive. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy is designed to be more precise, hitting only cancer-specific targets while sparing most healthy cells.
In India, targeted therapy has become an important part of oncology care. By identifying genetic changes in cancer cells through advanced testing, doctors can match patients with the right targeted drug. This “personalized” approach has improved survival rates and reduced side effects for many cancers.
How Targeted Therapy Works?
Cancer develops when normal cell processes go wrong due to genetic mutations. Targeted therapy drugs:
Block growth signals cancer cells use to divide.
Cut off blood supply (anti-angiogenesis drugs).
Trigger cancer cell death directly.
Help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Examples of Targeted Therapy
HER2 inhibitors (trastuzumab) for breast and gastric cancer.
EGFR inhibitors (erlotinib, gefitinib) for lung cancer.
VEGF inhibitors (bevacizumab) for colorectal, kidney, and lung cancers.
BCR-ABL inhibitors (imatinib) for chronic myeloid leukemia.
PARP inhibitors for ovarian and breast cancers with BRCA mutations.
How Targeted Therapy is Given?
Oral tablets: Many targeted drugs are pills taken at home.
IV infusions: Some are given in hospitals or infusion centers.
Treatment cycles: May be continuous or intermittent depending on the drug.
Goals of Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is designed to act on the specific genetic and molecular changes that allow cancer cells to grow and spread. Its main goals include:
Inhibit cancer growth and spread: By blocking abnormal signals inside cancer cells, targeted therapy prevents them from dividing uncontrollably.
Cut off tumor blood supply: Certain drugs (anti-angiogenesis agents) stop tumors from forming new blood vessels, starving them of nutrients.
Induce cancer cell death: Some targeted therapies directly trigger the destruction of cancer cells by attacking proteins they depend on for survival.
Spare normal cells: Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims to minimize damage to healthy tissues, reducing unnecessary side effects.
Prolong survival and improve quality of life: Even when cure is not possible, targeted therapy can control cancer for longer periods and help patients live with fewer symptoms.
Support precision medicine: By tailoring treatment to a patient’s genetic profile, targeted therapy ensures a more personalized and effective approach.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
While often milder than chemotherapy, side effects can include:
Skin rash and acne-like changes
Diarrhea
Liver function changes
High blood pressure
Mouth sores
Blood clotting issues
Most side effects can be managed with early recognition and supportive care.
Life During Targeted Therapy – What Patients Should Know
Treatment schedule: Some drugs are daily pills, others are hospital infusions. Duration depends on response.
Side effects: Usually milder than chemotherapy. May include skin rash, diarrhea, liver changes, or high blood pressure.
Monitoring: Regular blood tests and scans check drug effectiveness and side effects.
Lifestyle: Eat healthy, stay active, and protect skin.
Emotional well-being: Long-term treatment can be stressful; support groups and counseling help.
Adherence: Take medicines exactly as prescribed. Missing doses reduces effectiveness.
Personalized care: Response varies. Therapy may be adjusted if resistance develops.
When to Contact Your Doctor During Targeted Therapy
Contact your doctor promptly if you notice:
Severe skin reactions — widespread rash, redness, or itching
Persistent diarrhea or abdominal pain
Yellowing of skin or eyes (possible liver involvement)
High blood pressure or sudden swelling
Shortness of breath or chest pain
Unusual bruising or bleeding
Severe fatigue affecting daily activities
Early reporting helps manage side effects and prevent complications, ensuring treatment remains safe and effective.
Advances in Targeted Therapy
Precision drug design: Newer drugs target cancer-specific mutations more accurately.
Combination therapy: Targeted drugs are now combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation for better results.
Biomarker testing: Genetic and molecular tests help identify which patients will benefit most.
Improved safety: Modern targeted therapies have fewer side effects and better tolerance.
Resistance management: New agents are available if cancer develops resistance to earlier drugs.
FAQs About Targeted Therapy
Q1. Is targeted therapy available in India?
Yes, many cancer centers in India offer targeted therapy with access to internationally approved drugs.
Q2. Is targeted therapy better than chemotherapy?
It depends. Targeted therapy works only if your cancer has a specific mutation. For some cancers, targeted drugs are more effective and less toxic.
Q3. Do all patients qualify for targeted therapy?
No. Patients need special tests (like genetic or molecular profiling) to see if their cancer has the right target.
Q4. Can targeted therapy cure cancer?
In some cancers (like chronic myeloid leukemia), targeted therapy can control disease for years and even lead to remission. In others, it may keep cancer under control but not cure it completely.
