Targeted therapies

Definition

Targeted therapies are treatments designed to specifically target the molecular mechanisms responsible for disease progression, particularly in cancer. By focusing on specific genetic mutations or aberrations in cells, these therapies can effectively inhibit tumor growth while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, making them a key component of personalized medicine and gene therapy strategies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapies can significantly improve treatment outcomes by providing more precise and effective options compared to traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells.
2. The development of targeted therapies often relies on advancements in genomic research, allowing for the identification of specific genetic alterations associated with different types of cancers.
3. Not all patients with the same type of cancer respond to targeted therapies due to genetic variability, which is why personalized medicine plays a critical role in selecting the right treatment for each individual.
4. Examples of targeted therapies include small molecule inhibitors that block specific pathways involved in cancer cell growth and monoclonal antibodies that mark cancer cells for destruction by the immune system.
5. Targeted therapies have been successfully used in various cancers, including breast cancer (e.g., HER2 inhibitors), lung cancer (e.g., EGFR inhibitors), and melanoma (e.g., BRAF inhibitors).

Review Questions

• How do targeted therapies differ from traditional cancer treatments?
  • Targeted therapies differ from traditional cancer treatments primarily in their approach to treatment. While traditional chemotherapy indiscriminately attacks rapidly dividing cells, both cancerous and healthy, targeted therapies focus on specific molecular targets associated with cancer progression. This precision reduces side effects and improves effectiveness by attacking only the cancer cells that harbor particular genetic mutations or alterations.
• What role do biomarkers play in the selection and effectiveness of targeted therapies?
  • Biomarkers are crucial for identifying which patients are most likely to benefit from targeted therapies. They provide insights into the genetic and molecular characteristics of tumors, enabling clinicians to tailor treatments based on individual patient profiles. By using biomarkers, healthcare providers can select targeted therapies that specifically address the underlying mechanisms driving a patient's cancer, leading to improved treatment responses and outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of genomic profiling on the development and application of targeted therapies in personalized medicine.
  • Genomic profiling has transformed the landscape of targeted therapies by allowing for a deeper understanding of the genetic underpinnings of various cancers. It enables the identification of unique mutations and alterations within tumors, facilitating more precise treatment selection tailored to individual patients. This personalized approach not only enhances the efficacy of targeted therapies but also helps mitigate adverse effects associated with less specific treatments. As genomic profiling continues to advance, it will likely drive further innovations in targeted therapy strategies and expand treatment options for patients.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biomarkers are biological indicators that can be measured to assess the presence or severity of a disease, often used to identify which patients may benefit from targeted therapies.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are lab-created molecules engineered to bind to specific targets on cancer cells, helping to trigger an immune response or deliver treatment directly to the tumor.

Genomic Profiling: Genomic profiling involves analyzing the genetic makeup of tumors to identify mutations and alterations that can inform the selection of appropriate targeted therapies.