Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets genetic mutations found in a tumor. It is a personalized method of cancer treatment.
Targeted therapy is one of the most effective treatments. There is no single treatment that is equally effective for all people with cancer. This is because cancer cells can be different for each person. Targeted therapy is aimed at these differences.
Cancer is caused by changes in genes (gene mutations). Over time, these mutations contribute to the transformation of normal tissues into malignant (cancerous) tumors. The gene in which the mutation occurred signals the cell to produce proteins that cause the cells to grow uncontrollably. In addition, gene mutations can lead to the disease becoming resistant to treatment.
Targeted drugs have been developed specifically to block abnormal proteins and stop uncontrolled cell growth. This method of treatment can shrink or destroy tumors.
What is the difference between targeted therapy and chemotherapy?
Unlike chemotherapy, targeted drugs attack only the mutated proteins in the cancer cells they target, so most healthy cells are not damaged. Chemotherapy attacks all cells that grow and divide rapidly. This includes, in particular, hair follicles and blood cells. Therefore, side effects such as hair loss and decreased blood counts are more common with chemotherapy treatment and less severe with targeted therapy.
How is targeted therapy chosen?
Special genetic tests of tumor tissue or blood help us determine which gene mutations contribute to the development of a particular type of cancer. Some of these mutations will be present only in the tumor. But some mutations can be inherited. These mutations can be detected by analyzing healthy cells, usually blood or saliva cells.
We use a number of different tests to detect both types of targeted mutations.
After the results of the tests are evaluated by a team of doctors at a multidisciplinary oncology consultation, the patient is prescribed personalized cancer treatment.
What types of cancer can be treated with targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy can help people with common cancers, including:
- Breast cancer;
- Cancer of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Pancreatic and liver cancer;
- Lung cancer;
- Cancer of the skin (melanoma) and soft tissues of the body (sarcoma);
- Kidney cancer;
- Cancer of the prostate gland;
- Ovarian cancer;
- Thyroid cancer;
- Neuroendocrine tumors.
How is targeted therapy performed?
Targeted therapy can be used in different ways.
The drug can be administered intravenously (through a peripheral vein or port system), as an injection (subcutaneous injection), or in the form of tablets and capsules that can be taken at home.
Targeted therapy is used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with other treatments (for example, with chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
What are the side effects of treatment with targeted drugs?
The likelihood of side effects with targeted therapy is lower than with chemotherapy. Some targeted therapy drugs have side effects because the specific proteins they are supposed to attack are also found in normal cells. On the background of targeted therapy, a patient may experience
- generalized weakness
- gastrointestinal toxicity (e.g., nausea, diarrhea)
- skin changes (e.g., rash).
How long does treatment with targeted therapy last?
The duration of treatment depends on the type and stage of the disease. Targeted drugs are prescribed for the period of time specified by the international protocol or until the signs of the disease disappear.
At the Dobrobut Oncology Center, we provide targeted therapy courses at two locations
- 3 Family Idzikowsky St. (right bank)
- 12A Mykoly Bazhana Ave. (left bank)
We have introduced a special Oncology Patient Care and Personal Support Service, which provides support and assistance to patients and their loved ones throughout the entire treatment process.
You can contact the manager of the Care and Personal Support Service by calling (Mon-Fri from 08:00 to 18:00).
