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 minimizing damage to normal cells. This approach leverages specific characteristics of cancer cells, such as genetic mutations or proteins, allowing for a more personalized and effective treatment plan compared to traditional therapies. By focusing on the unique aspects of an individual's cancer, targeted therapy aims to improve outcomes and reduce side effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy can be classified into two main categories: small molecule drugs that enter cells and affect their function, and monoclonal antibodies that work outside of cells by binding to specific proteins.
2. One of the key advantages of targeted therapy is its ability to spare healthy cells from damage, leading to fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy.
3. Targeted therapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance overall effectiveness.
4. The development of targeted therapies often relies on extensive research into the molecular and genetic features of tumors, making genomic profiling a crucial component of personalized medicine.
5. Resistance to targeted therapy can occur, leading to treatment failure; researchers continue to explore combination therapies and new agents to overcome this challenge.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional cancer treatments in terms of its approach to treating tumors?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional cancer treatments by focusing specifically on the unique molecular characteristics of cancer cells. While traditional treatments like chemotherapy attack rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately, targeted therapies hone in on specific genetic mutations or proteins present in the tumor. This targeted approach not only improves the effectiveness of the treatment but also reduces harm to normal, healthy cells, leading to fewer side effects.
• What role do biomarkers play in the effectiveness of targeted therapy, and how are they utilized in clinical practice?
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in the effectiveness of targeted therapy as they help identify which patients are most likely to benefit from specific treatments. In clinical practice, biomarkers are used for genomic profiling to analyze a patient's tumor for particular mutations or protein expressions. This information allows healthcare providers to tailor treatment plans that align with the individual characteristics of a patient's cancer, optimizing the chances for a successful outcome.
• Evaluate the impact of resistance mechanisms on the future development of targeted therapies and potential solutions being researched.
  • Resistance mechanisms pose significant challenges for the future development of targeted therapies, as tumors may adapt and evade treatment over time. Researchers are investigating various strategies to overcome this resistance, such as using combination therapies that pair targeted agents with other modalities like immunotherapy or chemotherapy. Additionally, understanding the underlying genetic changes in resistant tumors is vital for developing next-generation targeted therapies aimed at new vulnerabilities within cancer cells, thus enhancing long-term treatment efficacy.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are biological indicators, often found in blood or tissue, that can help identify the presence of cancer or the likelihood of response to certain treatments.

Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that can bind to specific targets on cancer cells, helping the immune system to destroy those cells.

Genomic profiling: Genomic profiling involves analyzing the genetic makeup of a tumor to identify mutations and guide personalized treatment decisions.