Targeted therapy is a groundbreaking advancement in oncology that targets cancer cells specifically while minimizing damage to healthy cells, providing patients with more effective, personalized treatment options.
What is targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or substances specifically designed to identify and attack molecular changes associated with the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and normal cells, targeted therapy selectively acts on malignant cells.
Key features of targeted therapy include:
- Molecular specificity: treatments target specific genes, proteins, or molecular processes that contribute to cancer development.
- Fewer side effects: since healthy cells are not attacked, targeted therapy generally has fewer adverse effects compared to chemotherapy.
- Personalization: genetic or molecular tests help identify specific mutations in a patient’s tumor, allowing for a more individualized approach.
Oncology therapist
The oncology therapist is a medical specialist dedicated to designing, applying, and monitoring cancer treatments, including targeted therapy, often through nuclear medicine.
One of the primary responsibilities of an oncology therapist is conducting an initial patient assessment to understand the nature of the tumor. The specialist then requests genetic analyses or specific molecular tests to identify biomarkers, which help determine whether the patient is a candidate for targeted therapy.
Once this information is obtained, the oncology therapist selects the appropriate treatment and determines the specific drug or combination of drugs best suited to target that particular type of cancer and then provides continuous monitoring to assess the patient’s response, adjust doses, or combine medications as necessary.
Targeted therapy drugs
Targeted therapy includes a wide range of drugs designed to address different aspects of the disease. Medications are classified into several categories based on their mechanism of action:
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: block enzymes called tyrosine kinases, which play a crucial role in cell signaling and promote cancer growth; for example, in chronic myeloid leukemia or non-small cell lung cancer.
- Targeted immunotherapy: includes monoclonal antibodies designed to bind to specific molecules on the surface of cancer cells; for example, in HER2-positive breast cancer or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Angiogenesis inhibitors: block the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need for nutrients; for example, in colorectal or kidney cancer.
- Gene expression modulators: act directly on the DNA or RNA of cancer cells to interrupt their growth; for example, in ovarian or breast cancer.
- Cell cycle inhibitors: block the proteins responsible for regulating the cell division cycle; for example, in hormone receptor–positive breast cancer.
- Therapeutic vaccines: designed to stimulate the immune system to attack specific cancer cells; used in certain types of advanced cancers such as metastatic prostate cancer.
Targeted therapy represents a paradigm shift in cancer treatment, focusing on specific molecular mechanisms and offering a more precise and less invasive alternative compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Oncology therapist near me
At the ABC Medical Center’s Cancer Center, we have a team of specialists in targeted therapy, highly trained and dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for all your oncological needs.
Our oncology therapists in Mexico City are committed to your well-being and use the latest technology and most advanced treatments to manage conditions such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, chronic myeloid leukemia, and more.
Fuentes:
Cancer.org, MedlinePlus, Cigna
