Targeted Therapy Cancer Treatment
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses several drugs to specifically target genes and proteins that promote the growth & survival of cancer cells.
Targeted therapies can do different things to the cancer cells they target:
- Block signals that tell cancer cells to grow & divide
- Prevent the cells from living longer than normal
- Destroy cancer cells
What Are The Types of Targeted Therapy?
There are several different types of targeted therapy. The most common types are monoclonal antibodies or small-molecule drugs.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies drugs are used to block a specific target on the outside of cancer cells.
Small-molecule Drugs
Small-molecule drugs can block the process that helps cancer cells multiply & spread. E.g. Angiogenesis inhibitors.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
Side Effects On Skin
- Photosensitivity
- Rash
- Dry skin
- Itching
- Red, sore cuticles (the areas around the nails)
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Changes in hair growth
- Changes in hair or skin color
- Changes in & around the eyes
Other Side Effects Might Include:
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding or blood clotting problems
- Slow wound healing
- Heart damage
- Autoimmune reactions
- Swelling
- Nausea & vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Mouth sores
- Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
- Cough
- Feeling tired all the time (fatigue)
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Damage to organs (thyroid gland, liver, or kidneys)
- Allergic reactions
- Increased risks of certain infections
- Second cancers