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 causing minimal harm to normal cells. This approach is based on the understanding of the molecular and genetic makeup of tumors, allowing for more personalized treatment options that can be tailored to individual patients.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy can be more effective and cause fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy because it specifically targets cancer cell pathways.
2. The success of targeted therapy often relies on the presence of specific genetic mutations or alterations in a patient's tumor that make it susceptible to treatment.
3. Many targeted therapies are designed to block signals that promote tumor growth, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors that interfere with specific enzymes involved in cell signaling.
4. Ongoing research continues to identify new targets for therapy, leading to the development of innovative treatments that can address different types of cancers.
5. Targeted therapy is part of the broader field of precision oncology, which focuses on customizing treatment based on individual patient characteristics and tumor biology.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional cancer treatments in terms of specificity and side effects?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy by specifically focusing on the molecular characteristics of cancer cells, rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells. This specificity allows targeted therapies to attack cancerous cells while sparing most normal cells, leading to fewer side effects. In contrast, chemotherapy can damage healthy tissues, resulting in a broader range of adverse effects.
• Discuss how genomic profiling is utilized in developing targeted therapies for patients with cancer.
  • Genomic profiling plays a critical role in developing targeted therapies by analyzing the unique genetic alterations within a patient's tumor. By identifying specific mutations or changes in genes associated with cancer growth, clinicians can select therapies that target these abnormalities directly. This process enhances treatment efficacy and ensures that patients receive the most appropriate therapy based on their individual tumor characteristics.
• Evaluate the future implications of targeted therapy in precision oncology and its potential impact on treatment outcomes for cancer patients.
  • The future implications of targeted therapy in precision oncology are significant, as advancements in genetic research and technology continue to uncover new therapeutic targets. This ongoing evolution is likely to lead to improved treatment outcomes for cancer patients by enabling more personalized and effective treatment plans. As our understanding of tumor biology deepens, targeted therapies may become standard practice for more cancer types, ultimately transforming how we approach cancer care and improving survival rates.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of biological processes, often used to identify the presence of cancer and predict responses to targeted therapies.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made molecules designed to bind to specific targets on cancer cells, facilitating targeted therapy by marking these cells for destruction by the immune system.

Genomic Profiling: Genomic profiling involves analyzing the genetic material of tumors to identify mutations and alterations that can be targeted by specific therapies.