How Targeted Therapy Works for Cancer
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to specifically target and attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy drugs, which can affect both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy drugs are designed to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells while leaving healthy cells relatively unharmed. Here's how targeted therapy works:
1. Molecular Targets: Cancer cells often have specific molecular changes, such as mutations or overexpression of certain proteins, that drive their growth and survival. Targeted therapy drugs are designed to target these specific molecular targets.
2. Drug Design: Targeted therapy drugs are designed using advanced techniques such as molecular biology and genomics. Scientists study the molecular characteristics of cancer cells to identify potential targets for drug development. Once a target is identified, drugs are developed to inhibit or block the function of that target.
3. Delivery of Drugs: Targeted therapy drugs can be administered orally in the form of pills or tablets or intravenously (IV) through a vein. The route of administration depends on the specific drug and its properties.
4. Mechanism of Action: Targeted therapy drugs work by various mechanisms to inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Some common mechanisms include:
- Inhibition of cell growth and division
- Induction of cell death (apoptosis)
- Blocking the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
- Interfering with the signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival
5. Specificity: Targeted therapy drugs are designed to be more specific to cancer cells compared to healthy cells. This specificity reduces the risk of side effects and allows for a more precise treatment approach.
6. Precision Medicine: Targeted therapy represents a shift towards precision medicine in cancer treatment. It enables doctors to tailor treatment based on the molecular characteristics of a patient's tumor. By identifying specific molecular targets, doctors can select the most appropriate targeted therapy drugs for each individual patient.
7. Combination Therapy: Targeted therapy drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery. Combining different treatment modalities can enhance treatment efficacy and address different aspects of cancer progression.
8. Monitoring and Resistance: During targeted therapy, doctors closely monitor patients to assess response to the treatment and manage potential side effects. Some cancer cells may develop resistance to targeted therapy over time. In such cases, alternative targeted therapies or combination therapies may be considered.
Targeted therapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by providing a more precise and personalized approach. By targeting specific molecular alterations in cancer cells, targeted therapy drugs can effectively inhibit cancer growth and improve patient outcomes while minimizing side effects. However, ongoing research is necessary to overcome resistance and develop new targeted therapies for different types of cancer.