Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that focuses on genetic changes or mutations that cause healthy cells to become cancerous. This method helps identify genetic changes within the cells. It enables the use of medicines to either destroy cancer cells or inhibit their growth. Unlike traditional treatments, targeted medicines are designed to attack specific abnormalities in cancer cells. As a result, they cause fewer side effects on healthy cells compared to chemotherapy. Different types of targeted cancer therapy medicines are used depending on the type of cancer.
What is Targeted Therapy?
Today, a novel cancer treatment paradigm focuses on understanding how normal cells transform into cancer cells, or, in other words, how cancer develops. Targeted therapy for cancer is a treatment that, similar to chemotherapy, aims to destroy cancerous cells. However, certain cancers have specific cells that can be targeted with specialized medicines. In some types of cancer, it is possible to use targeted medicines designed to destroy cancerous cells without affecting normal cells.
What are the Types of Targeted Therapy?
There are various types of medicines used in targeted therapies, categorized by how they work. The two primary groups are monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors. Monoclonal antibodies are manufactured versions of natural antibodies that aid the body’s immune system in fighting infections. They attach to proteins on the surface of cancer cells or nearby tissues, inhibiting their growth and survival. On the other hand, small molecule inhibitors penetrate cancer cells and block specific proteins responsible for signaling cell growth
How does Targeted Therapy Work?
There are around 25,000 genes in a cell, and about 500 are related to cancer. These genes are investigated using a method called NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) to identify any defects. It is determined whether they are suitable for targeted therapy. If a cancer has well-known genes that can be targeted and there is a drug available to target these genes, then targeted therapies are administered.
Procedure Details
Targeted cancer therapy medicines are administered either intravenously or, more commonly, orally. This reduces the patient’s dependency on the hospital, has fewer side effects, and offers a more sustainable treatment approach. After receiving targeted therapy for cancer treatment, the patient’s condition is evaluated through monthly blood tests and imaging every three months. If a patient is in abroad, it is acceptable to send their test results monthly. Targeted therapies can also be combined with other treatment modalities, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapies have fewer side effect risks compared to conventional chemotherapy. Why? Chemotherapy drugs block all dividing cells, including normal ones. Bone marrow cells, oral mucosa cells, and hair cells are among the fastest-proliferating cell groups. As chemotherapy affects these cells, its side effects are more commonly seen in these areas, leading to bone marrow suppression, hair loss, sores in the intestines or mouth, and diarrhea. In contrast, targeted therapies are designed to specifically recognize cancerous cells. Targeted therapy aiming only to destroy these cells.
When should I see a Healthcare Provider?
Cancer patients may ask their doctors if targeted cancer therapy suits their condition. They should visit a hospital with oncologists who offer this treatment. When patients see an oncologist who administers all systemic treatments, they receive detailed information. This helps them learn which option best fits their needs. At Acıbadem, patients can access surgical treatment, radiotherapy, and all systemic therapies, including targeted therapy, under one roof.
Targeted Therapy in Turkey
Acıbadem is one of the few cancer centers that uses the power of targeted therapy, utilizing it in treating a range of cancer types. At Acıbadem, all systemic therapies are offered with a highly coordinated, multidisciplinary, and patient-focused approach.
Why Acıbadem for Treatment?
Acıbadem is a world leader in healthcare services and has long been a ray of hope in Türkiye for patients with cancer who seek better treatment options from throughout the world. Cancer leaves an indescribable burden on patients and their relatives’ shoulders. We understand this very well. Because, for the last 25 years, we have met and treated thousands of cancer patients. At Acıbadem, we guarantee world-class medical care to you. We are always here to back you up.
FAQ
1. What is the Success Rate of Targeted Therapy?
In certain cancer types, such as lung, breast, and colon cancers, life expectancy increases significantly, especially if the patient is suitable for targeted therapies. This is because these therapies can directly target the gene driving the cancer.
2. What is the Difference between Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy?
When cancer cells multiply, normal cells simultaneously continue their natural proliferation. Chemotherapy typically aims to kill all rapidly dividing cells. In contrast, targeted therapy for cancer treatment specifically affects cancer cells. This is the primary difference between the two approaches. As a result, targeted therapies have a lower risk of side effects.
3. How long is Targeted Therapy Given?
The duration of treatment generally depends on the goal of targeted therapy and how the cancer responds. In many cases, targeted therapy drugs must be taken daily for at least 6 months. One study reported that treatment lasted an average of 15.7 months in cases of non-small cell lung cancer. However, this cannot be generalized. In some instances, it may be necessary to continue therapy for 5 years or even longer.
4. Who is a Candidate for Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapies are used in various cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and melanoma. Each of these cancer types may have well-known specific targets, such as EGFR in lung cancer, BRAF in melanoma, and HER2 in breast cancer. These targets are unique to cancer cells and are not present in normal tissues. Targeted therapies can specifically attack these cells using specialized drugs.
In some cancer types, different systemic therapies may be combined to destroy cancer cells. For instance, in metastatic kidney cancer, targeted therapy is often used in combination with immunotherapy. In hormone-positive breast cancer, hormone therapy can be combined with targeted therapies. If the breast cancer is HER2-positive, patients may receive chemotherapy along with a targeted therapy called anti-HER2.
