What is Targeted Therapy? A Precise Approach to Cancer Treatment

A lot has changed about the cancer treatment methods over the past few years. Doctors are increasingly paying attention to personalized medicine. And targeted therapy is one of the breakthroughs in today's oncology. It is aimed at targeting abnormal molecules related to cancer development and doing no harm to other cells of our body.

In comparison with classical chemotherapy, which destroys cancer cells together with other rapidly dividing healthy cells, targeted therapy attacks only specific molecules that are responsible for the development of a malignant tumor.

Why Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to target and attack specific genes, proteins or pathways related to cancer growth.

Many researchers have found that different cancers rely on specific genetic mutations or cellular signals for their survival. Targeted therapies have been developed to interfere with these processes and help slow or halt the progression of the disease.

As treatment is targeted at specific targets, the doctors are often able to develop more personalized treatment plans based on the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer.

How Targeted Therapy Works?

Targeted therapy interrupts processes that cancer cells depend upon.
These treatments could:

• Signal blockers that tell cancer cells to grow
• Stop tumors from making new blood vessels
• Induce cancer cell death
• Deliver drugs straight to cancer cells
• Help stop the spread of cancer

Before recommending treatment, doctors may test for specific targets in a tumor with molecular or genetic testing.

Targeted Therapy for Which Cancers?

Targeted therapy is used in the treatment of several cancers including:

• Lung Carcinoma
• Breast Cancer
• Colon cancer
• Renal cancer
• Melanoma )
• Leukaemia
• Lymphoma

Testing is important for eligibility determination as not all patients will qualify for targeted therapy.

Advantages of Targeted Therapy

One of the reasons targeted therapy is becoming so popular is because it provides a more personalized approach to cancer care.

Possible benefits include:

• Improved Accuracy
• Treatment aims to hit cancer-specific abnormalities, not all rapidly dividing cells.
• Individualized treatment plans
• The choice of therapy can be based on the genetic profile of the tumor.

Combo Treatment Options

Targeted therapy may be used together with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy.

Potentially Lower Side Effects

While side effects can still occur, many patients report experiencing different and sometimes less severe side effects than those associated with traditional chemotherapy.

Any side effects?

Like all cancer treatments, targeted therapy can have side effects.
Common side effects may include:

• Tiredness
• Changes in the skin
• Diarrhea Loose bowels
• Elevated blood pressure
• Oral sores
• Changes in appetite

Side effects vary depending on the type of medication being used, how severe it is and the overall health of the patient.

The Future of Cancer Therapy

Targeted therapy is becoming an increasingly important part of cancer care as advances in genetic testing and molecular medicine are made. Every year, researchers are discovering new treatment targets which help physicians develop more and more personalized treatment approaches.

At Liv Hospital, multidisciplinary cancer teams assess each patient’s condition on an individual basis to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, including targeted therapies when indicated.

Conclusion

Targeted therapy is a huge step forward in the field of oncology. It is directed at the specific factors which contribute to the emergence of cancer, hence resulting in a highly individualized treatment for those who can be qualified to receive it. With further advances in scientific research, targeted therapy will likely become even more prominent.

Note - This article is written by Brand Desk.