Targeted therapy

Definition

Targeted therapy refers to 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 made possible by understanding the genetic and molecular characteristics of an individual’s tumor, allowing for personalized treatment plans that are tailored to each patient's specific cancer profile.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapies are developed based on the understanding of specific genetic mutations and pathways that drive cancer growth, enabling more effective treatment options.
2. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy specifically focuses on cancer cells, resulting in fewer side effects.
3. Many targeted therapies are used in combination with other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy to enhance overall effectiveness against cancer.
4. The success of targeted therapy often relies on the identification of specific biomarkers that indicate which patients are most likely to benefit from the treatment.
5. As research advances, targeted therapy continues to evolve with the development of new drugs that can address additional genetic alterations associated with various cancers.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in terms of mechanism and patient outcomes?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional chemotherapy primarily in its mechanism of action. While chemotherapy indiscriminately attacks all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy ones, targeted therapy focuses specifically on cancer cells by exploiting their unique genetic and molecular features. This precision not only leads to improved patient outcomes by reducing side effects but also allows for a more personalized treatment approach that increases the likelihood of successful responses in patients with specific biomarkers.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in determining the effectiveness of targeted therapies for cancer treatment.
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in the effectiveness of targeted therapies as they help identify which patients are most likely to respond positively to specific treatments. By analyzing tumor samples for these biomarkers, oncologists can determine the presence of certain genetic mutations or protein expressions that can be targeted by specific drugs. This tailored approach not only improves treatment efficacy but also helps avoid unnecessary side effects associated with ineffective treatments, leading to a more personalized care strategy for patients.
• Evaluate how advancements in computational biology influence the development and implementation of targeted therapies in personalized medicine.
  • Advancements in computational biology significantly enhance the development and implementation of targeted therapies by enabling detailed analysis of genomic data and cancer biology. These technological innovations facilitate the identification of specific genetic mutations and molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis, which is essential for designing effective targeted treatments. Moreover, computational tools allow for the integration of large datasets from clinical trials and patient responses, guiding physicians in making informed decisions regarding personalized treatment strategies. As a result, computational biology not only streamlines drug discovery but also improves patient outcomes through more precise interventions.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate a normal or abnormal process, or a condition or disease, and can help in identifying suitable targeted therapies.

Precision Medicine: An innovative medical approach that customizes healthcare, with decisions and treatments tailored to the individual patient based on their predicted response or risk of disease.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses and cancer cells; often used in targeted therapies.