Targeted cancer therapy

Classification

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Targeted cancer therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, usually while doing little damage to normal cells. This form of therapy is based on the growing understanding of the genetic and molecular abnormalities that drive the growth and survival of cancer cells. By focusing on these specific abnormalities, targeted therapies can provide a potent and effective approach to cancer treatment.

Mechanism of Action

Targeted cancer therapies work by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression. These molecules, known as molecular targets, are typically proteins that play critical roles in the growth, progression, and spread of cancer. The therapies are designed to interfere with these proteins or the processes they influence, thereby inhibiting the ability of the cancer cells to grow and divide.

Types of Targeted Therapy

There are several types of targeted therapies, classified based on their mechanism of action:

• Monoclonal antibodies: These are immune system proteins created in the lab to bind to specific targets found on cancer cells. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets the HER2 protein, overexpressed in some breast cancers.
• Small molecule inhibitors: These are small chemicals that can block the function of molecules and signaling pathways. For example, imatinib (Gleevec) targets the BCR-ABL protein in chronic myeloid leukemia.
• Angiogenesis inhibitors: These drugs block the growth of new blood vessels to tumors (a process called angiogenesis), which is necessary for tumor growth. Bevacizumab (Avastin) is an example of this type of therapy.

Advantages of Targeted Therapy

The main advantage of targeted therapy is its ability to more selectively target cancer cells without harming normal cells, which leads to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Additionally, targeted therapies can be more effective for certain types of cancer and can be used in combination with other cancer treatments to improve outcomes.

Challenges and Limitations

Despite its benefits, targeted therapy also faces several challenges:

• Resistance: Cancer cells can develop resistance to targeted therapies, often through genetic mutations, which can make the therapy less effective over time.
• Identification of targets: Not all cancers have identifiable molecular targets, limiting the applicability of targeted therapies.
• Cost: Targeted therapies are often more expensive than conventional treatments, which can limit access for some patients.

Future Directions

Research in targeted therapy is rapidly advancing, with new targets and drugs being developed. Efforts are also underway to better understand resistance mechanisms and to develop combination therapies that can overcome or prevent resistance.

See Also

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Precision medicine