Targeted therapy
Medicines that act on specific proteins in cancer cells, the proteins that control how these cells grow, divide and spread.
What is targeted therapy?
Some proteins control how a cancer cell grows, divides and spreads. Targeted therapy acts on these proteins. That is why it is called a part of precision medicine.
Two main groups
- Small-molecule medicines: small enough to enter cells, and usually pills or capsules.
- Monoclonal antibodies: lab-made proteins that attach to a target on cancer cells, usually given into a vein. Some mark the cell for the immune system, some stop its growth, and some carry medicine or radiation to the cell.
Testing before treatment
For most cancers the tumour has to be tested for the target. This sometimes needs a biopsy. If a sample has already been taken, ask your doctor whether it is enough.
Side effects
- The most common are diarrhoea and liver problems
- Skin problems such as rash and dryness
- High blood pressure
- Problems with blood clotting and wound healing
- Tiredness, mouth sores, nail changes and loss of hair colour
There are medicines for many of these, and most go away after treatment ends. Before any surgery or dental work, say that you take this medicine. Report sudden severe abdominal pain straight away, because very rarely a hole forms in the wall of the digestive tract.
Alongside other treatments
Targeted therapy is sometimes given with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Your doctor sets the order of these treatments.
Frequently asked questions
Why is a tumour test needed first?
These medicines work only if their target is in the tumour. For most cancers that target has to be found with biomarker testing.
Why does the medicine sometimes stop working after a while?
Cancer cells can become resistant: the target changes, or the cell finds another way to grow. Combining it with another medicine or treatment sometimes helps.
The first step, a review of your records.
Go to the booking page or talk to support. Have your pathology report and scans ready.