Targeted therapy

Definition

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells. This approach is based on the understanding of the molecular and genetic makeup of tumors, enabling treatments that are tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient's cancer. Targeted therapies often focus on specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer growth and survival.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapies have been developed for various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, often leading to improved outcomes and fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
2. These therapies can be classified into different categories based on their mechanism of action, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies.
3. The success of targeted therapy relies heavily on identifying specific molecular targets within a tumor, making biomarker testing an essential step before initiating treatment.
4. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately kills rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims to disrupt specific pathways involved in cancer cell proliferation and survival.
5. Ongoing research in biophotonics is enhancing the ability to visualize and understand the molecular characteristics of tumors, aiding in the development and application of targeted therapies.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional cancer treatments?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy by focusing specifically on the molecular and genetic features of cancer cells rather than killing all rapidly dividing cells. This approach allows for more precise targeting of cancerous tissues while sparing normal healthy cells, leading to potentially fewer side effects. By using knowledge about the unique characteristics of a patient's tumor, targeted therapies can be more effective and personalized.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in developing and applying targeted therapies.
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in the development and application of targeted therapies as they provide vital information about the genetic mutations or alterations present in a tumor. Identifying these biomarkers allows healthcare providers to select the most suitable targeted therapy for an individual patient, ensuring that treatments are tailored specifically to their cancer's unique profile. As a result, this enhances treatment effectiveness and may improve patient outcomes significantly.
• Evaluate how advancements in biophotonics could impact the future of targeted therapy in oncology.
  • Advancements in biophotonics have the potential to significantly impact the future of targeted therapy in oncology by providing enhanced imaging techniques that can better visualize tumor characteristics at the molecular level. These technologies enable real-time monitoring of treatment responses and allow for more precise targeting of therapies based on tumor behavior. As biophotonics continues to evolve, it could facilitate the development of even more effective personalized medicine strategies, making targeted therapies not only more precise but also potentially applicable across a wider range of cancers.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that can indicate the presence of cancer and help in determining the most effective treatment.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Lab-made molecules that can bind to specific targets on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or blocking their growth signals.

Personalized Medicine: An approach to patient care that tailors medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, including genetic, biomarker, and lifestyle factors.