Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment modality that uses medicines to target specific proteins and genes that favour the growth of cancer cells. Not only does target therapy destroy cancer cells, but also affects the tissues that surround cancer cells or support their growth, like blood vessels. This therapy can be used for a multitude of cancer variants. Furthermore, it often gives best results when combined with other cancer treatment modalities such as chemotherapy.Targeted therapy is of two types:

A) Monoclonal antibodies
B) Small-molecule drugs 

Why targeted therapy?

Drugs used in targeted therapy work by targeting specific genes and tissues/proteins that help the tumour grow. This is known as the ‘target’ of the drug. Now, an ideal drug would be the one that attacks the proteins/genes of the cancer cells and not healthy cells. These ‘targets’ differ from person to person and thus require testing to identify your type and select the ideal drug for the treatment. Here’s how targeted therapies act on the cancer cells:

• Block the signals that promote growth of cancer cells
• Decrease the life of cancer cells
• Destroy cancer cells

Some targeted therapies also work by marking the cancer cells so that the immune cells of the body can naturally target and destroy them. Other therapies just boost the immune system to work better against cancer.

What are the diseases treated through targeted therapy?

Given below are a few diseases that affected patients can benefit through targeted therapy:

•  Breast cancer: Excessive HER2 of human epidermal growth factor is present in about 20-25% of breast cancer patients. This protein helps in the growth and multiplication of tumour cells. There are many targeted therapies available to  treat HER2-positive type of breast cancers. 
•  Colorectal cancer: In patients with colorectal cancer, a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is found in excess. Targeted therapy drugs that block EGFR have shown to stop or slow the growth of cancer.
•  Chronic myeloid leukaemia: most cases of chronic myeloid leukaemia are associated with formation of the gene called BCR-ABL which produces the cancer-causing protein. This protein alters the behaviour of normal myeloid cells, making  them cancerous. 
•  Lung cancer: Targeted therapy for treating lung cancer is rapidly changing due to new discoveries and clinical trials. 
•  Lymphoma: In lymphoma, B cells WBC, EGFR, ALK, BRAF, KRAS etc. are high in number. Targeted drugs block the enzyme that is responsible for the production of this B cell WBC. As a result, doctors have been able to successfully treat  cases of B cell lymphoma. 
•  Melanoma: In cases of melanoma, a group no. of patients show a mutation in the BRAF gene. This makes it a good target for drugs, called BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors. These two therapies can be combined to treat tumours that show  BRAF mutation. 

Who are the ideal candidates for this procedure?

Targeted therapy is ideal for patients who meet with the following conditions:

•  Having a cancer diagnosis that cannot be resected with surgery
•  Have been tested positive for having ‘targets’ that the therapy drugs can act upon and prevent progression of cancer. 
•  Mentally prepared to undergo diagnostic and prognostic tests

Some other factors that help determine if you're an ideal candidate for targeted therapy includes: 

•  Stage of the cancer you're in
•  Status of cancer metastasis (spread)
•  History of other cancer treatments that you may have had in the past

Expertise of Action Cancer Hospital in targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is one of the major specialties offered at Action Cancer Hospital. Our doctors, nursing staff and other helping staff have years of experience in handling cancer patients. 
Here are a few reasons why you should consider consulting at Action Cancer Hospital:

•  In-depth knowledge and experience:  Our doctors are up-to-date with the latest technologies and possess a deep understanding of this complex and ever-evolving field of therapy. Hence, they will be able to recommend and provide you with  the best possible treatment plan for the specific type of cancer you may be battling.
•  Personalised treatment approach: Our compassionate team of doctors formulate customised treatment plans and follow-up regimen. This ensures that the treatment you get is right for you. 
•  Improved treatment outcomes: All potential risks and benefits of the procedure will be clearly communicated to you, that will help you decide if it is the right treatment for you. 
•  Access to advanced clinical trials: With us, you will have access to clinical trials of new targeted therapies. 
•  Support and guidance: A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and you may have a lot of questions in mind regarding your condition and treatment options. Our experts can walk you through it at a pace you prefer and also provide the  support and guidance you may need.