Targeted therapy

Definition

Targeted therapy is a type of medical treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells or other diseases by targeting specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of these cells. This approach allows for a more personalized and effective treatment strategy, reducing damage to healthy cells and minimizing side effects compared to traditional therapies like chemotherapy. It is closely related to advances in personalized medicine and genomics, which focus on tailoring treatments based on individual genetic profiles.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapy can be used in various types of cancer treatments, including breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia, among others.
2. This form of therapy is designed based on the understanding of genetic mutations and alterations within the cancer cells, allowing for precise targeting.
3. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy focuses on specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow and divide, leading to potentially fewer side effects.
4. Some targeted therapies are used in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance overall effectiveness.
5. The development of targeted therapies has been significantly driven by advancements in genomic sequencing technologies that help identify mutations associated with different cancers.

Review Questions

• How does targeted therapy improve upon traditional cancer treatments?
  • Targeted therapy improves upon traditional cancer treatments by focusing specifically on the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer growth and spread. While traditional treatments like chemotherapy often damage both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapies aim to minimize this collateral damage by selectively attacking only those cells with specific genetic markers or mutations. This leads to potentially fewer side effects and improved outcomes for patients.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in identifying suitable candidates for targeted therapy.
  • Biomarkers play a crucial role in identifying suitable candidates for targeted therapy by providing valuable information about the specific characteristics of an individual's cancer. They can indicate whether certain mutations are present, which helps oncologists determine if a patient is likely to benefit from a particular targeted treatment. This process enhances the precision of treatment selection and aligns with the principles of personalized medicine, ensuring that therapies are matched to patients' unique genetic profiles.
• Evaluate how advancements in genomics have influenced the development of targeted therapies and their impact on patient outcomes.
  • Advancements in genomics have profoundly influenced the development of targeted therapies by enabling a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of various cancers. Through technologies such as next-generation sequencing, researchers can identify mutations and alterations that drive tumor growth. This knowledge not only facilitates the design of drugs that specifically target these changes but also significantly improves patient outcomes by allowing for personalized treatment plans that are more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches. Consequently, patients often experience better responses to treatment with fewer adverse effects.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are biological indicators found in the body that can help determine how a disease progresses or how well a treatment works, often used to identify suitable candidates for targeted therapies.

Precision Medicine: Precision medicine is an approach that customizes healthcare, with medical decisions and treatments tailored to the individual patient’s characteristics, including their genetic makeup.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are lab-created molecules engineered to target specific antigens on cancer cells, commonly used in targeted therapies to interfere with cancer cell growth.