Targeted Theraphy
Targeted therapy is a specialized cancer treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This approach aims to attack cancer cells with precision, minimizing damage to normal cells.
Key Features:
Specificity: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular targets associated with cancer, such as proteins or genes that contribute to tumor growth.
Types of Targeted Therapy:
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These lab-made molecules bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for destruction or blocking growth signals.
- Small Molecule Inhibitors: These drugs penetrate cancer cells and interfere with molecules that promote tumor growth and survival, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Common Targets:
- HER2: Targeted by drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) for certain breast and gastric cancers.
- EGFR: Targeted by drugs like erlotinib (Tarceva) for non-small cell lung cancer.
- BRAF: Targeted by drugs like vemurafenib (Zelboraf) for melanoma.
Benefits:
- Precision: Targets cancer cells more accurately, reducing collateral damage to healthy cells.
- Effectiveness: Can be more effective for certain cancers with specific genetic mutations.
- Fewer Side Effects: Generally causes fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, although side effects can still occur.
Side Effects:
While targeted therapies are more precise, they can still cause side effects, including skin problems, high blood pressure, liver issues, and gastrointestinal problems. The side effects depend on the specific drug and target.
Advancements:
Ongoing research is identifying new targets and developing drugs to improve efficacy and reduce resistance. Biomarker testing is becoming essential to determine the suitability of targeted therapies for individual patients.
