Targeted Therapies

What are targeted therapies?

A targeted therapy is one that is designed to treat only the cancer cells and minimize damage to normal, healthy cells. Cancer treatments that “target” cancer cells often have fewer side effects and are more effective than traditional chemotherapy drugs and radiation treatments. This is because chemotherapy and radiation therapy cannot tell the difference between cancer cells and healthy cells, so they often harm healthy cells and this can cause side effects.

Advances in science and technology have led to the development of several different types of targeted therapies. Each of these new treatments targets cancer in different ways. Targeted therapies may be used alone or in combination with standard chemotherapy drugs, often to make the chemotherapy more effective.

• Antiangiogenic drugs (also known as angiogenesis inhibitors) stop cancer cells from making the new blood cells that they need to survive and grow.
• Gene therapy involves the use of genes to treat cancer. In some cases, healthy copies of missing or damaged genes are given to patients to change the genetic makeup of certain cells. Genes are also used to stop cancer cells from making new blood vessels, which stops the cells from growing.
• Monoclonal antibodies can locate and attach to certain receptors on the outside of cancer cells. This stops the cells from sending a signal to divide. Treatments that block receptors are also called receptor antagonists. Click here to learn more about the different types of monoclonal antibodies, how they are used, and what monoclonal antibodies are available for treating cancer.
• Proteasome inhibitors stop the action of certain enzymes (proteasomes) that break down proteins. This can stop cancer cells from growing or kill them.
• Tyrosine kinase inhibitors stop enzyme (protein) tyrosine, which is part of a complex signaling system that helps some cancers grow out of control.
• Vaccines are used to treat existing cancers (therapeutic vaccines) or prevent the development of cancer (prophylactic vaccines). Therapeutic vaccines strengthen the body's natural defenses against cancer. This can prevent the further growth of an existing cancer, prevent a treated cancer from recurring, or kill cancer cells that are still left after previous treatments. Prophylactic vaccines prevent health people from infection with cancer-causing viruses.

Some targeted therapies belong to more than one of these categories. For example, Avastin® (bevacuzimab) is a monoclonal antibody that is also an antiangiogenic drug because it stops cancer cells from making new blood vessels.

Ask your doctor

If you're a candidate for targeted therapy...take the time to evaluate the options open to you. Learn the name(s) of the targeted therapy that your doctor recommends, and discuss with your doctor exactly what the therapy is intended to do and why it's recommended. In addition, ask your doctor:

• What are the risks and benefits of the targeted therapy?
• How is the targeted therapy administered?
• What dosing schedule is used for this targeted therapy? How often will I need to receive a dose, how long does the administration of each dose last, and where will I need to receive it?
• What steps should I take to best prepare for therapy?
• Are there any safety concerns with this targeted therapy? What precautions should be taken? What early warning signs should I look for?
• What are the most common side effects with this targeted therapy? What should I do if they occur? What side effects should I call and report to you urgently? What side effects are not as urgent but should be reported to you?
• Are there any alternatives to this targeted therapy? Which type of therapy is most likely to be the best option for me, and why?