Cancer treatment
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses medicines that home in on specific features of cancer cells to stop them growing, with less effect on normal cells.
Quick answer
Targeted Therapy: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Targeted cancer therapies are medicines designed to attack particular molecules or pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow and survive, such as specific proteins or gene changes found in the tumour.
- Why it is done: It is used when a cancer has a specific target that the drug can act on, identified by testing the tumour.
- What happens: Targeted therapies are given as tablets or infusions, depending on the drug, usually over months in cycles or continuously, with monitoring by scans and blood tests to check the response.
What it is
Targeted cancer therapies are medicines designed to attack particular molecules or pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow and survive, such as specific proteins or gene changes found in the tumour.
Why it is done
It is used when a cancer has a specific target that the drug can act on, identified by testing the tumour. It is available for many cancers, sometimes alone and sometimes with chemotherapy.
What happens
Targeted therapies are given as tablets or infusions, depending on the drug, usually over months in cycles or continuously, with monitoring by scans and blood tests to check the response.
Recovery
Everyday life continues around treatment, with regular reviews. Because these drugs are more selective, side effects differ from chemotherapy and are managed as treatment continues.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Side effects vary by drug and can include skin, bowel, blood pressure or liver effects. Targeted therapy only works if the cancer has the right target, and cancers can become resistant over time.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Targeted Therapy: frequently asked questions
How do doctors know if targeted therapy will work for me?
Your tumour is tested for specific changes or markers that the drug targets. If these are present, the therapy is more likely to help; if not, a different treatment is usually chosen.
Is targeted therapy the same as chemotherapy?
No. Chemotherapy affects many fast-dividing cells, while targeted therapy focuses on specific features of cancer cells, often causing different side effects. They are sometimes combined.
Related
Other cancer treatment
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — cancer treatment guidance
- Relevant Royal College / professional body
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