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 sparing normal cells. This approach focuses on specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression, making it a more personalized treatment option compared to traditional chemotherapy. Targeted therapies can enhance the effectiveness of treatment for various cancers and are particularly important for conditions where traditional treatments may not be effective.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy is designed to interfere with specific pathways or targets critical for cancer cell survival and proliferation, unlike traditional chemotherapy which affects all rapidly dividing cells.
2. These therapies can be administered as oral medications, injections, or infusions, and they often result in fewer side effects than conventional treatments.
3. Many targeted therapies are developed based on the genetic profile of an individual's tumor, making them a part of personalized medicine.
4. The effectiveness of targeted therapies can be influenced by the presence of specific biomarkers that indicate how a tumor will respond to treatment.
5. Some common examples of targeted therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, each targeting different mechanisms involved in cancer progression.

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 focuses on attacking cancer cells by targeting particular molecules or pathways critical for their growth, rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells. This specificity allows targeted therapies to spare normal cells and often leads to fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. As a result, patients may experience an improved quality of life during treatment while still effectively addressing the cancer.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in the development and application of targeted therapy for cancer treatment.
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in the development and application of targeted therapy by helping to identify which patients will benefit most from specific treatments. They provide information about the genetic and molecular characteristics of tumors, allowing healthcare providers to tailor therapies accordingly. This means that treatments can be matched to individual patients based on their tumor's unique profile, enhancing the likelihood of a successful outcome and minimizing unnecessary exposure to ineffective therapies.
• Evaluate the impact of targeted therapy on patient outcomes compared to conventional cancer treatments, considering both effectiveness and side effects.
  • The impact of targeted therapy on patient outcomes has been significant when compared to conventional cancer treatments. Targeted therapies have shown increased effectiveness for certain cancers by directly addressing specific molecular targets associated with tumor growth, leading to improved response rates and survival times. Additionally, because these therapies tend to be more selective for cancer cells, they often result in fewer and less severe side effects than traditional chemotherapy, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for patients undergoing treatment.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate the presence or progress of a disease, helping to identify which targeted therapies might be effective.

Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that can mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful pathogens, often used in targeted therapy to bind specifically to cancer cells.

Genetic mutations: Genetic mutations are changes in DNA that can lead to cancer; targeted therapies often aim at correcting or inhibiting the effects of these mutations to stop cancer growth.