Targeted therapy

Definition

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that specifically targets the molecular changes in cancer cells, differentiating them from normal cells. This approach focuses on the unique characteristics of cancer cells, such as mutations or overexpression of certain proteins, allowing for more precise and effective treatments with potentially fewer side effects than traditional therapies. By understanding the genetic and molecular profile of a tumor, targeted therapy can inhibit cancer growth while sparing healthy tissue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy can include small molecule drugs that interfere with specific pathways essential for cancer cell survival and proliferation.
2. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims to block only cancerous cells, minimizing damage to normal cells.
3. Certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer with HER2 overexpression or lung cancer with EGFR mutations, have specific targeted therapies approved for use.
4. Resistance to targeted therapy can develop over time as cancer cells adapt, necessitating ongoing research into combination therapies to overcome this challenge.
5. Clinical trials are crucial for identifying new targeted therapies and determining their effectiveness across various types of cancers.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in its approach to treating cancer?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional chemotherapy by focusing on specific molecular characteristics of cancer cells rather than indiscriminately attacking all rapidly dividing cells. While chemotherapy can affect healthy tissues leading to numerous side effects, targeted therapy aims to precisely inhibit the growth of cancerous cells based on their unique genetic alterations. This selective targeting helps to minimize harm to normal cells and reduce overall side effects associated with treatment.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in the development and application of targeted therapies for cancer treatment.
  • Biomarkers play a critical role in the development and application of targeted therapies by helping identify which patients are likely to benefit from specific treatments. By analyzing tumor samples for particular genetic mutations or protein expressions, clinicians can match patients with therapies that are designed to target those specific alterations. This personalized approach not only improves treatment outcomes but also reduces unnecessary exposure to ineffective treatments.
• Evaluate the challenges associated with targeted therapy and how they influence future directions in cancer research and treatment.
  • Challenges associated with targeted therapy include the potential for cancer cells to develop resistance over time, leading to treatment failure. This necessitates ongoing research into combination therapies that might enhance effectiveness and prevent resistance. Furthermore, identifying new biomarkers for different cancers remains a priority, as this will allow for better tailoring of treatments. Addressing these challenges will influence future directions in cancer research by pushing for innovative approaches that integrate genomics and personalized medicine into routine clinical practice.

Related terms

biomarkers: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of the severity or presence of some disease state, often used to identify which patients may benefit from specific targeted therapies.

monoclonal antibodies:

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules engineered to attach to specific targets on cancer cells, commonly used in targeted therapies to help the immune system destroy cancer cells.

personalized medicine:

Personalized medicine is an innovative approach to patient care that tailors treatment strategies based on individual patient characteristics, including genetic makeup and tumor biology.