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 is based on the understanding of the specific genetic, protein, or molecular characteristics of the cancer, which allows for more personalized and effective treatment options. By focusing on specific pathways and mutations involved in cancer progression, targeted therapy can improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects compared to traditional therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy often works by blocking the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression.
2. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapies aim to spare normal cells, resulting in fewer side effects.
3. Targeted therapies can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, for enhanced effectiveness.
4. Some examples of targeted therapy include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, which work by blocking specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow.
5. The development of targeted therapies is significantly driven by advancements in genomic research and the ability to identify actionable mutations within tumors.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in terms of its approach to treating cancer?
  • Targeted therapy differs from traditional chemotherapy primarily in its focus on specific molecular targets associated with cancer cells. While chemotherapy indiscriminately kills rapidly dividing cells, both cancerous and healthy, targeted therapy aims to disrupt the unique pathways and processes utilized by cancer cells, sparing normal cells. This precision not only enhances treatment effectiveness but also reduces side effects commonly experienced with conventional chemotherapy.
• What role do biomarkers play in the effectiveness of targeted therapies?
  • Biomarkers are crucial in targeted therapies as they provide essential information about the characteristics of a tumor. By identifying specific biomarkers associated with certain types of cancers, healthcare providers can tailor treatments based on an individual's unique tumor profile. This personalization increases the likelihood that the chosen therapy will be effective and allows for better monitoring of treatment response over time.
• Evaluate the impact of genomic profiling on the development and implementation of targeted therapies in modern oncology.
  • Genomic profiling has profoundly transformed oncology by enabling the identification of specific mutations and alterations within tumors that can be targeted by tailored therapies. This approach allows for a more personalized treatment strategy that is based on the genetic landscape of an individual's cancer, leading to improved patient outcomes. As a result, targeted therapies have become integral in clinical practice, paving the way for innovative treatment modalities that optimize efficacy and minimize adverse effects compared to traditional treatment methods.

Related terms

Biomarkers:

Biomarkers are biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate a condition or disease, often used to guide targeted therapies.

Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are lab-created molecules that can bind to specific targets on cancer cells and are often used in targeted therapies to deliver drugs directly to those cells.

Genomic profiling: Genomic profiling involves analyzing the genetic makeup of a tumor to identify mutations and alterations that can be targeted by specific therapies.