Is Targeted Therapy the Right Treatment for Cancer?

Cancer treatment options have advanced significantly in recent years, and one of the most promising developments is targeted therapy. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which affect both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy is designed to attack specific molecules involved in cancer development, making it a more precise and often less harmful option.

This blog explores targeted therapy, its effectiveness when it’s considered the right cancer treatment, and why a personalised treatment plan is essential.

What is Targeted Therapy for Cancer?

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy aims at specific molecules within cancer cells to block the signals that allow them to grow, divide, and spread.

How It Works

Targeted therapy works by interfering with specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer cell growth. For example, it may block a mutation in a gene that is causing cancer cells to multiply uncontrollably or block proteins on the surface of cancer cells that help them grow and divide.

Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy specifically targets cancer cells and leaves healthy cells largely unaffected, thus leading to fewer side effects.

Types of Targeted Therapy

• Small-Molecule Drugs: These are designed to enter the cancer cells and block the action of specific proteins or enzymes that promote cancer cell growth.
• Monoclonal Antibodies: These are man-made antibodies that can attach to specific cancer cell proteins, blocking their ability to grow or helping the immune system destroy the cancer cells.
• Cancer Vaccines: Vaccines that help the body’s immune system recognise and attack cancer cells by targeting specific cancer-related antigens.

When is Targeted Therapy Used for Cancer?

Cancer Types

Targeted therapy is effective for various cancers, particularly those with known genetic mutations. The most common cancers that benefit from targeted therapy include:

• Lung Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Leukaemia
• Lymphomas
• Many more

Personalised Treatment

Targeted therapy is often used in personalised cancer treatment plans, where the treatment is tailored to the genetic profile of the patient’s tumour. In this approach, a biopsy or genetic testing of the tumour is performed to identify specific genetic mutations or alterations that could be targeted by certain therapies.

Common Scenarios

• Combination with Other Treatments: Targeted therapy is often used along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to improve outcomes and lower the risk of cancer recurrence.
• After Other Treatments Fail: If chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery are not effective, targeted therapy may be considered.

How Effective is Targeted Therapy for Cancer?

Studies have shown that targeted therapy can be highly effective, particularly for cancers with specific genetic mutations. For instance, patients with HER2-positive breast cancer have experienced significant improvements in survival rates when treated with targeted therapies such as Herceptin.

The success of targeted therapy can vary depending on the cancer type, genetic mutations, and individual patient factors. For some cancers, targeted therapy has dramatically increased survival rates and reduced recurrence rates.

Targeting Specific Mutations

Targeted therapy’s precision allows it to produce better treatment outcomes, particularly for cancers with known mutations. For example, EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer can be treated with specific targeted therapies, offering better results than traditional chemotherapy.

Limitations

One limitation of targeted therapy is that not all cancers have identifiable targets for therapy. For instance, cancers that do not exhibit specific genetic mutations may not respond to targeted therapies and other treatment options, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, might be required.

Benefits of Targeted Therapy for Cancer

• Precision and Reduced Side Effects: Because targeted therapy directly affects cancer cells and spares healthy cells, it leads to fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy. Typical side effects of chemotherapy can include nausea, hair loss, and fatigue, which are less common with targeted therapies.
• Improved Survival Rates: For cancers with known mutations, targeted therapy has been shown to greatly enhance survival rates. By blocking the growth signals of cancer cells, targeted therapies can prevent the cancer from spreading, thereby increasing the chances of remission.
• Quality of Life: Patients undergoing targeted therapy often experience a better quality of life, as the treatment is less invasive and causes fewer side effects. This enables patients to continue their daily activities with fewer disruptions and less discomfort.

How Long Does Targeted Therapy Last?

• Treatment Duration: The duration of targeted therapy depends on the cancer type, stage, and how well the patient responds to the treatment. Some patients may just need a few weeks of therapy, while others may continue treatment for months or even years, depending on their cancer type and progression.
• Cycle-Based Treatment: Targeted therapy is often given in cycles, with each cycle lasting a few weeks, followed by a rest period to allow the body to recover. The frequency of these cycles will vary depending on the patient’s treatment plan and progress.
• Long-Term Treatment: For some cancers, patients may continue with maintenance therapy (targeted therapy) for months or years to prevent the cancer from returning. This is particularly common for cancers that are in remission but have a high risk of recurrence.

Cost of Targeted Therapy for Cancer

The cost of targeted therapy can vary widely depending on the cancer type, the drugs used, and the length of treatment. On average, targeted therapy drugs can be more expensive than traditional chemotherapy due to their precision and advanced technology.

Factors Affecting Cost

• Cancer Type: The cost can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated.
• Number of Treatment Cycles: More cycles of therapy may lead to higher costs.
• Insurance Coverage: The extent of insurance coverage can significantly impact out-of-pocket expenses.

Affordability in India

The cost of targeted therapy can be more affordable in India compared to countries such as the US or the UK. Many hospitals offer financial assistance programs or insurance coverage options to help patients manage the cost of treatment.

Is Targeted Therapy the Right Option for You?

• Personalised Decision: Deciding whether targeted therapy is right for you depends on several factors, including the genetic profile of your cancer, its stage, and your overall health. Some patients may benefit more from targeted therapy, while others may need different treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery.
• Consulting with Oncologists: Your oncologist will be able to assess whether targeted therapy is suitable for you based on tests conducted on your tumour’s genetic makeup and your individual health conditions.
• Alternative Treatments: If targeted therapy is not an option, your oncologist may recommend chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy, depending on your cancer type and overall treatment plan.

Bottom Line

Targeted therapy offers a promising treatment option for patients with specific types of cancer, particularly those with identifiable genetic mutations. While it is highly effective, the decision to pursue targeted therapy should be personalised based on your cancer type and individual health factors.

If you are considering targeted therapy for cancer, speak to your oncologist for tailored advice and to determine if it is the right choice for your specific treatment plan.

Take the Next Step: Consult with Our Oncology Specialists Today

Choosing the right treatment plan for cancer is a crucial decision, and targeted therapy may be the key to enhancing your chances of recovery. At AS LifeLine Cancer Hospital, our experienced oncologists will examine your condition and guide you through personalised treatment options, including targeted therapy. If you’re ready to explore whether targeted therapy is right for you, we encourage you to book a consultation with our specialists.

Frequently Asked Questions