What Is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a modern cancer treatment designed to attack cancer cells with precision while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or genetic mutations that drive cancer growth.
This personalized targeted therapy approach has led to more effective treatments with potentially fewer side effects for certain types of cancer, such as breast, lung, and leukemia.
Benefits vs. Side Effects
One key benefit of targeted therapy is its ability to block cancer growth at the molecular level. Some drugs prevent cancer cells from multiplying, while others help the immune system recognize and attack the disease. Because it is designed to interfere with specific pathways, targeted therapy can sometimes cause fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
However, side effects like skin rashes, high blood pressure, and liver problems can still occur, depending on the drug used.
Eligibility & Genetic Testing
Not all cancers respond to targeted therapy, and genetic testing is often required to determine if a patient is a good candidate. Additionally, some cancers can develop resistance to these treatments over time. That’s why targeted therapy is often combined with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
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