Targeted Therapy Cancer Treatment
Targeted therapy is a category of cancer treatment that aims to slow down or stop the growth and spread of cancer cells by “targeting” specific molecules, often proteins, that cancer cells need to survive and multiply. These molecules are typically produced by mutated genes in cancer cells.
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy drugs specifically seek out the cells they are designed to block or destroy.
Your oncologist at Cancer Care Centers of Brevard may recommend tumor biomarker or genomic testing to identify specific gene mutations. Based on the results, the oncologist will determine whether a targeted therapy can be included in your treatment plan. Because these drugs are highly targeted and specific to various genetic mutations, this type of cancer treatment is also referred to as precision medicine.
Targeted therapy is often used along with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery.
How Targeted Therapy is Used in a Cancer Treatment Plan
There are a few ways targeted therapies are used:
Curative - The goal of targeted therapy use in the treatment plan is to completely eliminate the cancer cells.
Cancer control - When cancer can’t be completely eliminated, targeted therapy can be used to slow its growth
Palliative - This use of targeted therapy aims to reduce pain and other side effects caused by cancer.
Targeted therapies can help by:
Cutting off proteins that cancer cells require for growth
Triggering cancer cells to die off
Blocking signals that tell cancer cells to grow out of control
Stopping the growth of new blood vessels that tumors need
Preventing cancer cells from surviving longer than they should
Delivering cancer-killing substances directly to cancer cells
Types of Targeted Therapies Offered Through Cancer Care Centers of Brevard
There are several types of targeted therapy, with the most common being monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule drugs.
Monoclonal antibodies (therapeutic antibodies): These are lab-made proteins designed to attach to specific targets on the outside of cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies serve various purposes, including marking cancer cells for the immune system to recognize them, directly stopping cancer cell growth (including cancer cell self-destruction), and carrying toxins to cancer cells.
Small-molecule drugs: These drugs are small enough to enter cancer cells and target them from within.
How Targeted Therapies Are Given
Targeted therapy can be given in three main ways:
Orally: Through pills, capsules, or liquids, which are commonly used for small-molecule drugs.
Intravenously (IV): Drugs are introduced directly into the bloodstream through a catheter; typically used for monoclonal antibodies.
Subcutaneous (SC or SQ) targeted therapy: an injection into the fatty, or subcutaneous, tissue right under your skin.
Your personalized treatment plan will determine how often you receive targeted therapy. It may be given daily, weekly, monthly, or in cycles with breaks in between, depending on your cancer type and how you respond to treatment. They are often administered in our outpatient cancer centers in Brevard County. Your oncology nurse will be able to monitor any side effects that may occur right after treatment.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
Like all cancer treatments, targeted therapy can lead to side effects. These effects depend on the specific drug used and how your body reacts to it. You should talk to your infusion nurse or oncologist about any side effects you notice.
Side effects can vary among patients but may include:
Diarrhea
Liver problems
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Mouth sores
Nail changes
Changes in hair color
Skin issues, such as rashes or dry skin
Rarely, a hole in part of the digestive system (e.g., esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large bowel, rectum, or gallbladder)
Your oncologist may prescribe medications to help prevent or manage side effects. Most side effects improve once treatment ends.
New Developments in Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is one of the fastest-growing areas in cancer research. As researchers continue to explore new targets and drugs through clinical trials, cancer patients can look forward to more effective treatment options in the future.
At the Cancer Care Centers of Brevard, our patients have access to emerging new targeted therapies through clinical research trials. Our team will discuss whether a trial is available to you.
The Latest Treatment Options Available in Brevard County
Cancer Care Centers of Brevard offers targeted therapy conveniently in the Brevard County area, including Melbourne, Merritt Island, Palm Bay, and Rockledge, Florida. If you are receiving targeted therapy at CCCB, please make sure to discuss your treatment plan with your cancer care team to ensure you fully understand your cancer treatment plan.