Makati

Philippines

Phone Number

0962 950 7814
(02) 8637-2360

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slcelitemedicalcare@gmail.com

Targeted Therapy

Targeted Therapy: Precision Cancer Treatment

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:

  1. Blocking Growth Signals

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.

  1. Preventing Angiogenesis (Blood Vessel Formation)

VEGF Inhibitors (e.g., Bevacizumab) – Stop tumors from forming new blood vessels, starving them of nutrients.

  1. Promoting Apoptosis (Programmed Cell Death)

BCL-2 Inhibitors (e.g., Venetoclax) – Force cancer cells to self-destruct.

  1. Disrupting DNA Repair

PARP Inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib) – Prevent cancer cells from fixing DNA damage, leading to cell death.

  1. Immune System Modulation

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:

  1. Breast Cancer – *HER2-positive* (Trastuzumab), HR-positive (CDK4/6 inhibitors like Palbociclib).
  2. Lung Cancer – EGFR mutations (Osimertinib), ALK rearrangements (Crizotinib).
  3. Leukemia/Lymphoma – BCR-ABL fusion (Imatinib for CML), BTK inhibitors (Ibrutinib for CLL).
  4. Colorectal Cancer – KRAS wild-type (Cetuximab).
  5. Melanoma – BRAF V600E mutation (Dabrafenib + Trametinib).

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

  • Higher precision – Less harm to normal cells.
  • Better tolerated – Reduced severe side effects.
  • Improved outcomes – Prolongs survival in certain cancers (e.g., CML, HER2+ breast cancer).