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 molecules and pathways that are crucial for the growth and survival of cancer cells, offering a more personalized treatment option compared to traditional therapies like chemotherapy and radiation. By understanding the genetic and molecular profile of an individual’s tumor, targeted therapies can be tailored to effectively disrupt the processes that enable cancer progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy can be more effective and cause fewer side effects than traditional treatments because it is designed to specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.
2. Different types of targeted therapies include small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, each designed to target specific aspects of cancer biology.
3. The identification of specific mutations or alterations in a patient's tumor can guide the choice of targeted therapy, making genetic testing an essential step in the treatment process.
4. Targeted therapies have been developed for various cancers, including breast, lung, and melanoma, leading to improved survival rates and better quality of life for many patients.
5. Resistance to targeted therapies can develop over time as cancer cells evolve; ongoing research aims to understand these mechanisms and develop strategies to overcome resistance.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional cancer treatments by focusing on specific molecular targets associated with cancer, rather than indiscriminately killing rapidly dividing cells like chemotherapy does. This precision helps minimize damage to normal cells, resulting in fewer side effects. Additionally, targeted therapies can be customized based on the genetic makeup of an individual's tumor, making them more effective in certain cases compared to broader treatment approaches.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in the development and application of targeted therapies.
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in the development and application of targeted therapies by providing vital information about the characteristics of a tumor. They help identify which patients are most likely to benefit from specific treatments based on the presence of certain genetic mutations or protein expressions. This allows healthcare providers to tailor treatments more effectively, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes while reducing unnecessary exposure to ineffective therapies.
• Evaluate the impact of targeted therapy on personalized medicine and its future in oncology.
  • The impact of targeted therapy on personalized medicine is profound, as it represents a shift towards more individualized approaches in oncology. By utilizing genetic profiling and molecular diagnostics, targeted therapies enable clinicians to create tailored treatment plans that improve efficacy and minimize side effects for each patient. Looking ahead, advancements in technology and research into tumor biology will likely expand the range of available targeted therapies, enhancing their integration into standard practice and potentially transforming cancer care into a more precise science.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are measurable indicators of the severity or presence of a disease, often used to determine the appropriate targeted therapy for an individual patient.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made molecules engineered to bind specifically to certain proteins on cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or blocking their growth signals.

Personalized Medicine: Personalized medicine is a medical model that tailors treatment based on individual characteristics, particularly genetic information, optimizing therapeutic effectiveness.