Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses medications designed to specifically target unique characteristics of cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Also known as precision medicine, targeted therapy focuses on genetic changes, proteins, or other molecular changes that contribute to the growth and spread of cancer.
At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, we use advanced biomarker testing to determine whether targeted therapy is a suitable part of each patient’s treatment plan. If the results reveal specific biomarkers or genetic mutations, targeted therapy may be recommended.
Understanding targeted therapy, how it works, and what to expect with this type of treatment will help prepare you for treatment.
How Targeted Therapy Works
As cancer cells grow, they can develop genetic mutations that lead to the production of abnormal proteins that help tumors grow and spread throughout the body. Targeted therapy medications aim to interrupt these processes by focusing on specific molecular targets (biomarkers) found within or on cancer cells. This approach differs from chemotherapy, which typically kills all rapidly dividing cells, both healthy and cancerous.
Targeted therapies may:
- Block signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide
- Help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells
- Prevent signals that promote the formation of blood vessels, which tumors need to grow
- Starve cancer of the hormones necessary for growth
- Encourage cancer cells to die naturally
- Deliver cell-killing medications directly to cancer cells
Before recommending targeted therapy, patients must undergo biomarker testing (also called molecular or genomic testing) to identify specific genetic mutations, proteins, or other biomarkers that may be driving cancer growth. The test results help your care team determine whether your cancer is likely to respond to targeted therapy.
In situations where testing reveals no identifiable targets, alternative cancer treatment options will be recommended.
Types of Targeted Therapy
Several different types of targeted therapy medications are available. The recommended treatment depends on the cancer type and molecular characteristics identified during testing. The most common types are:
- Monoclonal antibodies: These lab-made proteins are designed to attach to specific targets on cancer cells. Once attached, they can block cancer growth, signal the immune system to kill cancer cells, or deliver treatment directly to the tumor. Monoclonal antibodies are also known as therapeutic antibodies.
- Small-molecule drugs: These are designed to enter cells and block signals that enable them to grow and divide.
How Targeted Therapy Is Given
Treatment options for targeted therapy generally include
- Oral medications taken as pills, capsules, or liquids with guidance and oversight from your oncology nurses.
- Intravenous (IV) infusions are administered directly into your bloodstream through a catheter at one of HOA’s cancer centers.
Some targeted therapies are taken daily, while others are given on a scheduled cycle with rest periods between treatments. Your treatment schedule will depend on your diagnosis, the specific medication being used, and your cancer’s response to the therapy.
Throughout your treatment, your HOA care team will monitor your progress with regular appointments. Attending each appointment is crucial as it allows us to evaluate how well the treatment is working.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
Although targeted therapy is designed to affect cancer cells more precisely than chemotherapy, it can still cause side effects. The type and severity of side effects vary depending on the type of targeted therapy you receive and how your body responds to it.
Common side effects of targeted therapy can include:
- Diarrhea
- Changes in liver function
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Skin rash or dry skin
- Changes to the fingernails or toenails
- Issues with blood clotting and wound healing
- Loss of hair color
Most patients experience mild side effects that can be managed with medication or supportive care. However, in rare cases, serious complications may occur, such as a hole forming in the wall of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large bowel, rectum, or gallbladder.
It is important to let your care team know about any new or worsening issues so that necessary adjustments can be made to your treatment plan, including assisting with ways to manage side effects.
Why Choose HOA for Cancer Treatment
Targeted therapy starts with understanding the unique biology of your cancer. At Hematology-Oncology Associates of CNY, our medical oncologists use advanced biomarker and molecular testing to determine whether targeted therapy is appropriate for you. Our patients also have access to new targeted therapies through our clinical research program, which are not yet widely available. Our oncologists will discuss this with you if a trial is available that matches your type and stage of cancer.
We accept many types of insurance and care for patients throughout Central New York, specifically in the Syracuse area, including Camillus and all of Onondaga County; Auburn and the rest of Cayuga County; Madison County, including Oneida; Jefferson County, including Watertown; and throughout Oswego County, including Fulton and Oswego.
