Targeted therapy: what is it and how does it work?
Targeted therapy (targeted therapy, molecular targeted therapy, molecular targeted therapy) is a medical treatment of cancer using drugs that act specifically on cancer cells and do not harm healthy tissues.
Doctors may prescribe it as the main method of treatment or in combination with other procedures - surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.
How targeted therapy works in oncology
The principle of operation of a targeted drug depends on its type. The American Cancer Society identifies the following goals for targeted therapy:
- block chemical signals that stimulate the growth and division of cancer cells;
- change the proteins of cancer cells in such a way that the cells die;
- prevent the appearance of new blood vessels that feed the tumor;
- activate the immune system so that it recognizes and destroys tumors on its own;
- deliver substances to cancer cells that will destroy them.
What are the types of targeted therapy?
Depending on the active substance that is part of the drug, the Canadian Cancer Society distinguishes the following types of molecular targeted therapy:
Monoclonal antibodies
When entering the body, monoclonal antibodies find cancer cells, attach to the shell and trigger a self-destruction mechanism in them.
Monoclonal antibodies also increase the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy - they help chemotherapy drugs and radiation to penetrate into the cancer cell and destroy it.
The names of all drugs containing monoclonal antibodies end in “mab” (for example, Pembrolizumab, Trastuzumab, Rituximab, etc.).
Interesting to know:
Monoclonal antibodies are also used in immunotherapy, because they activate the immune system and it begins to destroy the tumor on its own.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors block the signaling of a cancer cell that causes it to grow.
The name of such drugs ends with “nib” (Imatinib, Gefitinib, etc.)
Apoptosis-inducing drugs
Such drugs activate signals in cancer cells that cause them to die.
Apoptosis-inducing drugs include Oblimersen, Bortezomib, Olaparib.
Angiogenesis inhibitors
They prevent the development of new blood vessels that feed the tumor.
Angiogenesis inhibitors include Sunitinib, Bevacizumab, and Thalidomide.
mTOR inhibitors
The substance blocks a protein that is responsible for the growth and division of cancer cells.
Medications based on mTOR inhibitors - Everolimus, Temsirolimus.
Hormonal medications
Hormone therapy is a subspecies of targeted therapy. It prevents hormones (estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone) from binding to receptors that help cancer cells grow. Due to this, the tumor dies.
How can the treatment take place and how long does it take?
Selection of the drug
To select a targeted therapy drug and determine the duration of treatment, the doctor prescribes an immunohistochemical study - an analysis of tumor tissue obtained by biopsy. It allows you to determine the type of cancer cells and identify genetic mutations and proteins that are targets for targeted drugs.
If the patient has already taken the material, it is necessary to bring blocks and glasses with you to the clinic. Doctors will review them and the procedure will not have to be repeated.
A unique test to select the most effective drug
The FoundationOne tumor test is available at the Ichilov and Assuta Clinic (Israel) and the Anadolu Medical Center (Turkey). It allows you to determine which target drug the tumor is most sensitive to. This test requires special laboratory equipment and doctor's qualifications, therefore it is available only in some clinics around the world.
Taking medication
Targeted therapy is inpatient or outpatient, depending on the general condition of the patient and the need for additional treatment. At the same time, it is not necessary to stay in the country in which you were selected and prescribed the drug. You can buy medicine, return home and take it according to the prescribed regimen in your place of residence.
Duration of treatment
The duration of 1 course of targeted therapy is individual. On average, it is 2 weeks. The doctor determines the number of courses individually for each patient. This is influenced by the diagnosis, general health, disease and body response to drugs.
Can there be side effects?
Because targeted drugs target cancer cells, this treatment is easier than chemotherapy. However, there is a risk of certain complications. The American Cancer Society lists them as:
- rash;
- capillary damage;
- dryness, redness, itching of the skin and eyes;
- increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight and slow regeneration;
- thinning hair and slowing down their growth;
- high blood pressure;
- coagulation disorders;
- puffiness;
- disorders of the digestive system, thyroid gland, liver, kidneys;
- fatigue;
- headache;
- shortness of breath and other breathing problems;
- cough.
How is the price of targeted therapy in oncology formed?
The price of targeted therapy depends on:
- the prescribed drug and its dosage;
- duration of treatment (number of courses);
- selected country and clinic.
In our catalog, in the cards of clinics, the price is indicated for 1 course of treatment with targeted drugs. The required number of courses is determined by the attending physician based on the diagnostic results. Therefore, you can find out the final cost of targeted therapy after the doctor gets acquainted with the diagnosis and the results of the examination.
How to arrange treatment?
Leave a request on our website, and a Bookimed coordinating doctor will contact you at a convenient time for you. He will talk about the features of the technique, orient on the cost. Together with the coordinating doctor, you will select the best medical center for your case.
Our care department will help you arrange your travel for treatment and will stay in touch with you from the moment you contact us and even after you return home.
You do not pay for Bookimed services.