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 focuses on specific molecular targets associated with cancer, making it different from traditional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately affects both cancerous and healthy cells. By leveraging pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, targeted therapy aims to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy can block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression.
2. These therapies are often developed based on genetic testing of tumors, allowing for treatments tailored to individual patients' cancer profiles.
3. Common types of targeted therapies include small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, each designed to target specific pathways or markers associated with cancer cells.
4. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy usually has fewer side effects because it aims to affect only cancer cells rather than healthy cells.
5. Targeted therapies have shown promising results in various cancers, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma, where specific genetic mutations can be targeted.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in treating cancer?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional chemotherapy in that it specifically targets molecular changes in cancer cells rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells. While chemotherapy indiscriminately attacks both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to significant side effects, targeted therapy focuses on particular pathways or markers associated with the tumor. This selectivity allows for a more effective treatment with potentially fewer side effects, making it a more personalized approach.
• What role do biomarkers play in the development and application of targeted therapies?
  • Biomarkers play a critical role in the development and application of targeted therapies as they help identify which patients are most likely to benefit from specific treatments. By analyzing tumor samples for these biological indicators, healthcare providers can determine the presence of particular mutations or characteristics that align with available targeted therapies. This approach enhances treatment effectiveness and aids in the personalization of cancer care.
• Evaluate the impact of pharmacogenomics on the effectiveness of targeted therapy in personalized medicine.
  • Pharmacogenomics significantly impacts the effectiveness of targeted therapy by enabling treatments to be tailored based on an individual’s genetic makeup. By understanding how genetic variations affect a patient's response to medications, healthcare professionals can select the most appropriate targeted therapies that are likely to be effective while minimizing adverse reactions. This personalized approach not only improves patient outcomes but also shifts the focus toward more efficient drug development and usage strategies within oncology.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate the presence of cancer or other diseases; they are often used to identify suitable targeted therapies.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Laboratory-produced molecules that can bind to specific targets on cancer cells; they are commonly used in targeted therapies to inhibit tumor growth.

Precision Medicine: An innovative approach to disease treatment and prevention that considers individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle; it is closely related to targeted therapy.