Targeted therapy is an advanced form of cancer treatment designed to specifically attack cancer cells while sparing healthy cells. Unlike traditional treatments, which often affect both cancerous and non-cancerous cells, targeted therapy focuses on particular molecular characteristics found in cancer cells. These unique gene alterations enable cancer cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, distinguishing them from normal cells. Given the diverse nature of cancer, targeted therapy plays a crucial role in providing personalized treatment plans tailored to the specific genetic profile of each patient’s cancer.
Cancer exists in various forms, and even among patients with the same type, the genetic variations can lead to differences in tumor behavior and treatment response. This makes targeted therapy a vital option, as it can address the specific proteins or enzymes that signal cancer cells to grow rapidly. Although research is ongoing to understand the mechanisms driving these changes, several targeted drugs have already been developed. It’s essential to note that targeted therapy is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, to maximize efficacy.
How Targeted Therapy Differs from Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy is distinct from traditional chemotherapy in several key ways:
- Specificity: While chemotherapy indiscriminately targets all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy ones, targeted therapy is designed to home in on cancer cells specifically, minimizing damage to normal tissues.
- Mechanism of Action: Chemotherapy primarily kills existing cancer cells, whereas targeted therapy inhibits cancer cell division, preventing the formation of new cells.
Because it primarily affects cancer cells, targeted therapy tends to be less toxic than chemotherapy. Often referred to as precision medicine or personalized medicine, it specifically targets certain characteristics in cancer cells, including:
- Overexpression of specific proteins
- Proteins present in cancer cells but absent in healthy cells
- Mutated proteins
- Genetic alterations not found in normal cells
Targeted drugs may operate through various mechanisms, including:
- Blocking chemical signals that promote cancer growth
- Altering proteins that lead to cancer cell death
- Inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors
- Delivering toxins directly to cancer cells while preserving healthy cells
- Enhancing the immune response to eliminate cancer cells
Types of Targeted Therapy
Several targeted therapy approaches have been developed, each with unique mechanisms:
- Monoclonal Antibodies: These drugs target specific molecules on or near cancer cells to destroy them and may also facilitate the delivery of chemotherapy or radiation directly to tumors.
- Signal Transduction Inhibitors: These drugs interfere with the signaling pathways that enable cancer cells to grow and divide.
- Gene Expression Modulators: These therapies correct abnormal gene expression in cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapies: Target hormone-dependent cancers by blocking the hormones necessary for their growth.
- Apoptosis Inducers: These treatments promote programmed cell death in cancer cells.
- Immunotherapies: These therapies help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Proteasome Inhibitors: These drugs disrupt the normal cellular functions, leading to cancer cell death.
- Angiogenesis Inhibitors: These medications prevent the formation of new blood vessels, cutting off the cancer cells’ nutrient supply.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
The side effects of targeted therapy can vary by individual and may include:
- Diarrhea
- Elevated liver enzymes
- Dry skin
- Nail changes
- Skin rashes
- Increased sensitivity to UV light
- Hair loss or changes in hair color
- Swollen eyelids
- Fatigue
- Pulmonary issues
- Changes in heart rhythm
- Neurological symptoms
- Mouth soreness
- Cardiotoxicity
- Blood clotting and healing issues
In rare cases, complications such as perforations in the gastrointestinal tract may occur. While many side effects can be managed with medications, they typically resolve within a few months after treatment concludes.
Cost of Targeted Therapy
The cost of targeted therapy varies based on the number of treatment cycles and the cancer stage, with approximate expenses reaching around Rs. 20 lakhs.
Conclusion
While the success rates of targeted therapy can differ significantly among patients, it represents a powerful treatment option for many types of cancer. Ongoing research aims to further decode the genetic underpinnings of cancer, continually improving treatment efficacy.
If you or a loved one would like to learn more about targeted therapy and its benefits, we invite you to visit Yupiter Hospital. Our state-of-the-art facility offers comprehensive cancer care, including targeted therapy, ensuring a high quality of life for our patients. Our team of dedicated experts is available around the clock, prioritizing the well-being and comfort of every patient. With advanced oncology services and a wealth of experience, we are committed to providing exceptional care and support to those battling cancer.
