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 sparing normal cells. This approach is based on the understanding of the molecular and genetic features of the tumor, allowing for personalized treatment plans that are more effective and have fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies. By focusing on specific pathways and mutations, targeted therapy aims to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy is often used for specific types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and colorectal cancers, where certain genetic mutations are present.
2. The effectiveness of targeted therapy can depend on the identification of biomarkers that predict how a patient will respond to treatment.
3. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims for precision by only affecting cancer cells with specific genetic characteristics.
4. Targeted therapies may come in various forms including small molecule drugs and monoclonal antibodies, each designed to target unique aspects of cancer biology.
5. Combination therapies, which include both targeted therapies and other treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy, can enhance effectiveness and help overcome resistance.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in its approach to treating cancer?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional chemotherapy in that it specifically targets molecular changes in cancer cells rather than attacking all rapidly dividing cells. While chemotherapy can affect healthy cells along with cancer cells leading to a wide range of side effects, targeted therapy is designed to hone in on specific pathways or mutations associated with cancer, thus minimizing damage to normal cells and potentially reducing side effects.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in the selection and effectiveness of targeted therapy.
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in the selection and effectiveness of targeted therapy by providing information about the specific characteristics of a tumor. These biological molecules can indicate whether a patient has certain genetic mutations that are responsive to specific targeted treatments. By analyzing these biomarkers, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans that are more likely to succeed based on the unique genetic makeup of the patient's cancer.
• Evaluate the implications of genetic profiling for personalized medicine in targeted therapy.
  • Genetic profiling significantly impacts personalized medicine in targeted therapy by enabling clinicians to identify specific mutations within a patient's tumor that can inform treatment choices. This personalized approach not only increases the likelihood of treatment success but also helps in avoiding ineffective therapies that may lead to unnecessary side effects. The use of genetic profiling represents a shift towards more individualized care, where therapies are customized based on an individual's unique genetic landscape, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and optimized resource utilization.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate a condition or disease, helping to guide targeted therapy decisions.

Immunotherapy: A treatment that uses the body's immune system to fight cancer, often complementing targeted therapies by enhancing immune response against tumors.

Genetic profiling: The process of analyzing an individual's genes to determine specific mutations or alterations that may inform treatment options, including targeted therapy.