Targeted therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules involved in the growth, spread, and survival of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims to interfere only with cancer-specific genes or proteins, making it a more precise and often less harmful treatment option.
Targeted therapies are designed to block the growth and spread of cancer by acting on particular targets found in cancer cells or the surrounding environment. It works by:
There are two main types of targeted therapy, each functioning in a unique way to fight cancer:
These are usually taken orally and enter cells easily to block the activity of proteins that cancer cells need to grow.
These are lab-made antibodies that bind to specific targets on the surface of cancer cells, blocking their function or marking them for destruction by the immune system.
Depending on the specific drug and type of cancer, targeted therapy may be given in several ways:
Targeted therapy offers several advantages over traditional cancer treatments:
While usually milder than chemotherapy, targeted therapies can still cause side effects, including:
Ongoing research is expanding the use of targeted therapies, making treatments more specific, personalized, and effective. Combination approaches with immunotherapy and other treatments are also showing promising results.
Targeted therapy represents a major advancement in cancer care by offering more personalized and less toxic treatments. With continued innovation, it holds the potential to transform outcomes for many cancer patients worldwide.
