
Makati
Philippines
Phone Number
0962 950 7814
(02) 8637-2360
Send Your Mail
slcelitemedicalcare@gmail.com
Philippines
0962 950 7814
(02) 8637-2360
slcelitemedicalcare@gmail.com
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific molecules (like proteins or genes) involved in cancer cell growth and survival. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy selectively disrupts cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.
How it Works
Targeted therapies interfere with specific biological pathways that allow cancer cells to grow, divide, and spread. Key mechanisms include:
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) (e.g., Imatinib, Erlotinib) – Inhibit enzymes that promote cancer cell proliferation.
Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Trastuzumab, Cetuximab) – Bind to receptors on cancer cells, preventing growth signals.
VEGF Inhibitors (e.g., Bevacizumab) – Stop tumors from forming new blood vessels, starving them of nutrients.
BCL-2 Inhibitors (e.g., Venetoclax) – Force cancer cells to self-destruct.
PARP Inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib) – Prevent cancer cells from fixing DNA damage, leading to cell death.
Checkpoint Inhibitors (e.g., Pembrolizumab) – Help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Conditions Treated:
Targeted therapy is used for specific cancers with identifiable molecular markers, including:
Advantages Over Traditional Chemotherapy
Feature | Targeted Therapy | Chemotherapy |
---|---|---|
Specificity | Attacks cancer-specific molecules | Affects all fast-dividing cells |
Side Effects | Fewer (e.g., rash, fatigue) | Severe (nausea, hair loss) |
Resistance Risk | Develops over time | Common |
Administration | Often oral (pills) | Mostly IV infusions |
Personalization | Requires biomarker testing | Broadly used |
Key Benefits