Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. The development of targeted therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment and has led to significant improvements in patient outcomes. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which destroys both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy is designed to selectively target cancer cells, which improves the effectiveness of the treatment and reduces the risk of side effects.
Targeted therapy is tailored to individual patients based on the specific molecular characteristics of their cancer. Cancer cells can have different mutations and genetic abnormalities that make them unique from each other and from normal cells. Targeted therapy drugs are designed to identify and attack specific molecules or pathways that are critical to the survival and growth of cancer cells, and these targets are often specific to certain types of cancer or certain mutations.
Before starting targeted therapy, patients undergo a series of tests to identify the molecular characteristics of their cancer. This process is known as molecular profiling or genomic sequencing. Molecular profiling involves analyzing the genetic material of the cancer cells to identify any mutations or abnormalities that are present. This information is then used to select the most appropriate targeted therapy for the patient.
There are several different types of targeted therapy drugs, each designed to target a specific molecule or pathway. Some of the most common types of targeted therapy include:
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) – These drugs target the proteins that control cell growth and division. They are commonly used to treat cancers that have mutations in genes that control these proteins, such as EGFR, ALK, or BRAF mutations.
Monoclonal antibodies – These drugs are designed to recognize and attach to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells. They can be used to trigger the immune system to attack the cancer cells or to block the signals that promote cancer cell growth.
Proteasome inhibitors – These drugs target the proteasome, a complex of proteins that breaks down other proteins within cells. By blocking the proteasome, these drugs can cause cancer cells to die.
PARP inhibitors – These drugs target an enzyme called PARP, which is involved in repairing DNA damage. They are commonly used to treat cancers that have mutations in genes involved in DNA repair, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
Angiogenesis inhibitors – These drugs target the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to cancer cells. By blocking the formation of new blood vessels, these drugs can starve the cancer cells and cause them to die.
Once the most appropriate targeted therapy has been identified, patients will typically undergo regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. This may involve imaging tests, blood tests, or other diagnostic tests to assess the size of the tumor and monitor any changes in its molecular characteristics.
In addition to molecular profiling, other factors may also be taken into account when tailoring targeted therapy to individual patients. These may include the patient’s overall health, the stage and location of the cancer, and any other medical conditions or medications that the patient is taking.
Overall, targeted therapy represents a significant advance in cancer treatment and has the potential to improve outcomes for many patients. By tailoring treatment to the specific molecular characteristics of each patient’s cancer, targeted therapy can improve the effectiveness of treatment while minimizing side effects and improving quality of life.
