What Are Targeted Therapies in Cancer Treatment and How Do They Work?

Cancer treatment has advanced tremendously over the past few decades, thanks to innovative therapies that are more effective and less invasive than traditional methods. One such groundbreaking approach is targeted therapy. As cancer treatment becomes increasingly personalized, targeted therapies offer hope for patients by zeroing in on the very genetic mutations that fuel cancer growth. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into what targeted therapies are, how they work, and their impact on the treatment of various cancers.

We will also discuss why consulting with the best oncologist in Hyderabad, like Dr. P. Vijay Karan Reddy, is crucial for receiving the most advanced cancer treatments, including targeted therapy.

What Is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely target cancer cells without affecting normal, healthy cells. Unlike chemotherapy or radiation, which attack both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapies are designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in the growth, progression, and spread of cancer.

At the heart of targeted therapy is the idea of molecular targeting, where the treatment targets certain genetic mutations or proteins that are involved in cancer’s ability to grow uncontrollably. These therapies have revolutionized how oncologists approach cancer treatment, offering more effective outcomes with fewer side effects.

Types of Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy can be divided into several different categories based on how the treatment works. Some of the most common types include:

1. Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made molecules that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens like cancer cells. These antibodies attach to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, blocking their growth signals or flagging them for destruction by the immune system.
2. Small Molecule Drugs: These drugs are typically designed to penetrate the cancer cell and interrupt the function of certain proteins that cancer cells need to grow and divide. They are smaller than monoclonal antibodies and are often used to target mutations that cause cancer.
3. Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Angiogenesis inhibitors are a form of targeted therapy that works by blocking the growth of blood vessels that supply the tumor with nutrients and oxygen. Tumors need these blood vessels to grow beyond a certain size, and by blocking this process, angiogenesis inhibitors can stop cancer from progressing.
4. Cancer Vaccines: Though still under investigation, cancer vaccines aim to stimulate the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. These vaccines are personalized and can be created based on the genetic profile of the tumor.

How Does Targeted Therapy Work?

Targeted therapy works by identifying specific abnormalities in cancer cells. These abnormalities can include:

• Mutated Genes: Cancer cells often have mutations in their DNA that cause them to grow uncontrollably. Targeted therapies can be designed to target these mutations directly. For example, the drug Herceptin is often used to treat breast cancer that overexpresses the HER2 protein, a key molecule that triggers cancer cell growth.
• Overactive Proteins: Many cancers involve proteins that help cancer cells grow and divide more quickly than normal cells. Targeted therapies can block or inhibit these proteins to stop the cancer from growing.
• Angiogenesis: As mentioned earlier, cancer cells need blood vessels to continue growing. By preventing the formation of these blood vessels, targeted therapies can starve tumors of the nutrients they need to survive and expand.

Benefits of Targeted Therapy

The key benefit of targeted therapy over traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation is its ability to specifically target cancer cells, thereby reducing damage to healthy tissues. Some of the advantages include:

• Precision: Targeted therapies are tailored to the unique genetic makeup of both the cancer and the patient, allowing for highly personalized treatment plans. This precision helps doctors pick the most effective drug for a specific cancer type.
• Fewer Side Effects: Because targeted therapies focus on cancer cells, they cause fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments, which can harm healthy cells. For example, chemotherapy can cause nausea, hair loss, and fatigue, while targeted therapies may result in milder side effects like fatigue or skin reactions.
• Long-Term Effectiveness: In some cases, targeted therapies can be highly effective in shrinking tumors or even putting the cancer into remission. Since these therapies target the root cause of cancer, they can have a more sustained impact on preventing the cancer from returning.

What Cancers Are Treated with Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapies are used to treat a wide variety of cancers, including but not limited to:

• Breast Cancer: Targeted therapies like Herceptin and Kadcyla are used for HER2-positive breast cancer, which involves an overexpression of the HER2 protein.
• Lung Cancer: Drugs like Tarceva and Xalkori are used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by targeting specific genetic mutations, such as EGFR mutations or ALK gene rearrangements.
• Colorectal Cancer: Targeted drugs like Avastin and Erbitux help block blood flow to tumors and prevent the cancer cells from receiving essential nutrients.
• Leukemia: Targeted therapies like Gleevec are used to treat chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) by inhibiting the BCR-ABL fusion protein that drives the cancerous growth of white blood cells.
• Melanoma: Targeted therapies like Braftovi and Mektovi target specific mutations in the BRAF gene found in some melanoma patients.
• Ovarian Cancer: Drugs like Avastin are used to prevent the formation of blood vessels that tumors need to grow.

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

While targeted therapy has fewer side effects than traditional treatments, it is not without its risks. Some of the common side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Rashes and Skin Issues
• Diarrhea
• Liver Problems
• High Blood Pressure

Patients are usually closely monitored during treatment to ensure that any side effects are promptly addressed. These side effects are often less severe than those caused by chemotherapy but can still affect the patient’s quality of life.

Consulting the Best Oncologist in Hyderabad: Dr. P. Vijay Karan Reddy

When considering targeted therapy for cancer treatment, it’s important to work with an oncologist who specializes in personalized cancer care. Dr. P. Vijay Karan Reddy, the best oncologist in Hyderabad, is a renowned expert in offering targeted therapies and other advanced cancer treatments. His comprehensive knowledge of genetic profiling and molecular testing ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment options tailored to their specific cancer type.

Dr. Reddy’s compassionate care and attention to detail make him a trusted name in the field of oncology. His expertise in targeted therapy helps ensure that patients benefit from the latest advancements in cancer care, leading to better outcomes and an improved quality of life.

Conclusion

Targeted therapies represent a significant breakthrough in the fight against cancer. By focusing on the genetic mutations that drive cancer growth, targeted therapies offer a more precise and effective treatment option with fewer side effects than traditional therapies. Whether it’s breast cancer, lung cancer, or leukemia, targeted therapy is playing an increasingly important role in treating various cancer types.

For the best possible cancer treatment, it’s essential to consult with a skilled and experienced oncologist. Dr. P. Vijay Karan Reddy, one of the best oncologists in Hyderabad, is an expert in using the latest cancer treatment techniques, including targeted therapies. If you’re seeking personalized and cutting-edge cancer care, Dr. Reddy’s expertise can help guide you on your journey to better health.

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen—take control of your health by exploring your treatment options and contacting a trusted oncologist today.