Targeted Therapies

Definition

Targeted therapies are a type of cancer treatment that use drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells, with minimal harm to normal cells. These therapies focus on molecular and genetic changes in cells that contribute to cancer growth and progression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapies are designed to be more selective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapies, which often damage healthy cells along with cancer cells.
2. Many targeted therapies work by interfering with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival, such as growth factors, cell signaling pathways, and angiogenesis.
3. Targeted therapies are often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy, to enhance their effectiveness.
4. Genetic testing and biomarker analysis are often used to identify the specific molecular targets that can be exploited by targeted therapies for an individual patient's cancer.
5. Resistance to targeted therapies can develop over time as cancer cells evolve and find alternative pathways to bypass the targeted mechanisms.

Review Questions

• Explain how targeted therapies differ from traditional chemotherapies in their mechanism of action and selectivity.
  • Unlike traditional chemotherapies that indiscriminately target rapidly dividing cells, including healthy cells, targeted therapies are designed to selectively identify and attack specific molecular or genetic targets that are critical for cancer cell growth and survival. This allows targeted therapies to be more selective and less toxic to normal cells, potentially reducing the severe side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy.
• Describe the role of genetic testing and biomarker analysis in the selection and use of targeted therapies.
  • Genetic testing and biomarker analysis are crucial for identifying the specific molecular and genetic alterations present in an individual patient's cancer. This information helps healthcare providers select the most appropriate targeted therapy that can effectively target those identified drivers of cancer growth and progression. By personalizing treatment based on the unique characteristics of the cancer, targeted therapies can be more effective and tailored to the individual patient.
• Discuss the potential challenges and limitations associated with the development and use of targeted therapies in cancer treatment.
  • One of the key challenges with targeted therapies is the potential for cancer cells to develop resistance over time, as they may find alternative pathways to bypass the targeted mechanisms. Additionally, the development of targeted therapies can be more complex and costly compared to traditional chemotherapies, as they require extensive research and testing to identify the appropriate molecular targets. Furthermore, not all cancer types may have well-defined molecular targets, limiting the availability of targeted therapy options for some patients. Ongoing research and innovation are crucial to address these challenges and expand the use of targeted therapies in cancer treatment.

Related terms

Monoclonal Antibodies:

Antibodies engineered in a lab to target specific proteins or receptors on the surface of cancer cells, triggering an immune response or blocking cell signaling.

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors: Drugs that block the activity of tyrosine kinase enzymes, which are involved in cell signaling pathways that promote cancer cell growth and division.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Drugs that prevent the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow and spread, starving the cancer cells of oxygen and nutrients.