Targeted Therapy for Cancer

Targeted Therapy for Cancer

Targeted therapy for cancer are designed to interfere with, or target, these molecules or the cancer-causing genes that create them. In some cases, the drug will attach to the molecule it targets, stopping it from doing its job. Other times, the drug will physically block the molecule from the place it normally goes. By stopping the normal work of these molecules, cancer’s growth can be slowed or even stopped.

Doctors may perform genomic tests to look for abnormalities in tumor DNA or blood. This can determine which genes are mutated or have extra copies and if there are gene abnormalities that can be targeted.

Even if a patient has a molecule that can be targeted, in some cases the drug stops working after a period of time. This usually occurs when the cancer finds some other way to finish the job the targeted therapy is made to stop. Repeating genomic testing can sometimes help determine how the tumor outsmarted the drug.

Targeted therapies can be given in pill form or through an infusion and may be given along with another treatment like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.

There are two main types of targeted therapy drugs:

. Small molecule drugs can easily enter the cells and interfere with the molecules inside. They can also be used to interfere with molecules on the surface of the cell.

. Monoclonal antibodies are larger and work outside of cancer cells. They target molecules on the surface of the cancer cells or nearby. These are made using cloned cells that produce antibodies that interfere with the targeted molecule. Monoclonal antibodies also can be used to deliver a toxic molecule directly into a cancer cell.

Side Effects of Targeted Therapies

Although targeted therapies are designed to affect cancer cells more than normal cells, they may still have side effects. Side effects depend on the targeted therapy drug a patient is taking. Common side effects include:

. Skin problems, such as rash

. Elevated liver enzymes, which may lead to a change in the drug dosage

. Diarrhea or constipation

. Nausea and vomiting

. Fatigue

. Low red blood cell count, leading to fatigue

. Low white blood cell count, which may increase risk of infection

. Poor blood clotting and wound healing

. High blood pressure

Article Source: https://www.mdanderson.org/treatment-options/targeted-therapy.html

Read Our Latest Post

Chemotherapy Cost in India for International Patients: 10 FAQs in the Healthcare

Learn about the chemotherapy cost in India for international patients in this informative article. Get answers...

Learn about the cost of J-pouch surgery in India for international patients with this informative article. Get...

Discover the essential FAQs international patients need to know about cosmetic surgery costs in India. Uncover...

Looking for information on Thalassaemia bone marrow transplant cost in India for international patients? This ...

Looking to undergo cochlear implant surgery in India as an international patient? Learn about the cost, proces...

Discover the comprehensive guide to Sarcoma treatment cost in India for international patients in this informa...

Discover the essential FAQs regarding childhood cancer treatment costs in India for international patients in ...

Discover the answers to 10 frequently asked questions by international patients about the cost of brain cancer...

Discover everything you need to know about Kidney Cancer Treatment cost in India for international patien...

Discover everything you need to know about thyroid cancer treatment cost in India for international patients i...

Discover everything you need to know about Bladder Cancer Treatment cost in India for international patie...

Learn about the cost of Ovarian Cancer treatment in India for international patients with these 10 FAQs. Disco...

Discover everything you need to know about stomach cancer treatment cost in India for international patients i...

Looking for information on Prostate Cancer Treatment cost in India for international patients? This article co...

Discover the cost of penile implant surgery in India for international patients with this informative article....

Looking for affordable cervical disc replacement surgery in India? Learn about the cost and other frequently a...

Looking for epilepsy surgery in India? Learn about the cost and FAQs for international patients in this inform...

Discover the essential FAQs on Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) surgery cost in India for international p...

Discover the key FAQs about CAR-T cell therapy cost in India for international patients in this informative ar...

Discover the key factors affecting Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery cost in India for international patien...

Looking for Gamma Knife treatment in India? Learn about the cost and FAQs for international patients in this i...

Discover the essential information about brain tumor surgery cost in India for international patients with the...

Looking for bone marrow transplant cost in India for international patients? This article covers autologous an...

Discover the answers to 10 frequently asked questions about breast cancer treatment cost for international pat...

Discover the essential information about leukemia treatment cost in India for international patients through t...