Targeted cancer therapy: Types, how it works, side effects (original) (raw)

Targeted cancer therapy uses medications and other substances to find and attack cancer cells. There are different types of targeted cancer therapy, which doctors may recommend for numerous types of the disease.

These techniques target parts of the cancer cells that help control how they grow, multiply, and spread. They seek out certain proteins and changes in cancer cells, ignoring healthy tissue and cells.

In doing so, they can effectively find and destroy several types of cancer. However, like all treatments, they have limitations and may not be suitable for everyone.

This article reviews what targeted cancer therapy is in more detail.

Targeted therapy, regardless of the type, will work by either finding and attacking specific substances or areas in cancer cells or through targeting messages within cancer cells that cause them to grow.

The targeted therapy medications look for the following changes in cancer cells in order to target them:

Once the medication has located the changes, targeted therapy attacks the cancer cells by:

Targeted therapy comes in two forms: intravenous (IV) targeted therapy and oral targeted therapy.

There are two types of IV targeted therapy. IV push involves healthcare professionals administering the medication quickly through a needle into a catheter in the arm. Infusion typically means the medication mixes in a solution and slowly enters the blood through tubing. An IV pump controls the flow of medication during an infusion.

The other method involves taking an oral solution, pill, or capsule. A person will typically need to pay close attention to how and when to take the medication and how to store it. These medications can also be more expensive than other options.

Although the exact medication type can differ, targeted medications can help treat a wide range of cancers. Examples include:

Before beginning treatment, a doctor will likely order tests, such as a blood test or a biopsy, to check the cells to see if targeted therapy is a suitable treatment. This can help determine which specific medications may work best for the person and whether other treatment options may be more suitable.

Despite advances in targeted therapy medications and understanding of cancer cells, doctors only use targeted therapy by itself for a few types of cancers.

Some people may receive targeted cancer therapy along with another form of treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Others may only receive targeted therapy.

In most cases, a doctor will recommend undergoing additional treatments, such as:

Like other cancer treatments, targeted therapy may cause side effects.

Some potential side effects include:

Some side effects can also occur with other types of cancer treatment. When choosing the best treatment time, it is important to consider the following:

A person may undergo targeted cancer therapy on its own or in combination with other cancer treatments. Targeted therapies find and attack cancer cells, slowing or preventing growth and division. They may attack them directly or signal the immune system to find and attack the cells.

Like other treatments, targeted therapy can cause side effects. They can range in severity from mild to severe, though some people may not develop them at all.

It is best for someone to discuss targeted therapy and the risk of side effects with an oncologist or other member of a treatment team before starting the therapy. Their treatment team can provide more information about the type of targeted therapy they recommend and answer any questions someone may have.