Targeted therapy

Definition

Targeted therapy is a type of medical treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells while sparing normal cells. This approach leverages information about the genetic and molecular characteristics of a patient's tumor, which allows for more personalized treatment options that can lead to improved outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapies can be more effective than traditional chemotherapy because they specifically target cancer cells, which often leads to fewer side effects.
2. Many targeted therapies focus on specific genetic mutations in tumors, allowing treatments to be tailored to individual patients based on their unique cancer profiles.
3. Targeted therapies can be used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance overall effectiveness.
4. The development of targeted therapies has been fueled by advances in genomic research and personalized medicine, making it easier to identify which patients are likely to benefit from specific treatments.
5. Resistance to targeted therapies can occur when cancer cells adapt or mutate, leading researchers to continuously explore new drugs and treatment strategies.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in terms of treatment focus and side effects?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional chemotherapy by specifically focusing on the molecular and genetic characteristics of cancer cells rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells. This precise approach helps minimize damage to normal, healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy, which often affects both cancerous and healthy cells indiscriminately. As a result, patients undergoing targeted therapy may experience a better quality of life during treatment.
• Discuss how genomic profiling contributes to the effectiveness of targeted therapy.
  • Genomic profiling plays a critical role in the effectiveness of targeted therapy by identifying specific mutations and alterations present in a patient's tumor. By analyzing these genetic changes, healthcare providers can select targeted treatments that are most likely to work for that individual's cancer profile. This personalized approach ensures that patients receive therapies tailored to their unique tumor biology, significantly improving treatment outcomes and minimizing unnecessary side effects.
• Evaluate the challenges faced by researchers in developing new targeted therapies and how these challenges impact patient treatment options.
  • Researchers face several challenges in developing new targeted therapies, including the potential for cancer cells to develop resistance through mutation or adaptation. This resistance can limit the long-term effectiveness of existing therapies and necessitates continuous research into new drug development. Additionally, identifying appropriate biomarkers for patient selection can be complex, as not all tumors express the same targets. These challenges affect patient treatment options by creating a need for ongoing innovation and adaptation within treatment protocols, ensuring that patients receive the most effective and personalized care possible.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of the severity or presence of a disease, often used to determine how a patient will respond to targeted therapies.

Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as cancer cells; they are often used in targeted therapies.

Genomic profiling: Genomic profiling refers to the analysis of the genetic makeup of a tumor, which helps identify specific mutations and guides the selection of targeted therapies.