Targeted therapy - Targeted Therapy
Targeted drug therapy
Targeted therapy is a drug treatment approach that targets specific molecules in cancer cells. The principle behind targeted therapy is to identify and attack specific molecules on the surface or inside cancer cells, thereby reducing damage to normal cells. Targeted therapy is becoming an increasingly popular cancer treatment method in Hong Kong.
Targeted therapy, like chemotherapy, uses drugs to kill cancer cells. However, chemotherapy kills all rapidly dividing cells in a non-selective manner. Therefore, while killing cancer cells, it also damages rapidly dividing normal cells, resulting in more side effects.
Targeted therapy principle
Targeted therapy works by specifically targeting particular molecules involved in cancer cell growth, also known as "targets," such as certain proteins that promote cancer cell growth and spread. Therefore, targeted therapy is more precise and generally does not affect other normal tissues or cells, resulting in milder side effects compared to chemotherapy. However, targeted drugs also have limitations; they are only effective against cancer cells with certain biological characteristics and are not suitable for all cancer patients.
Drugs used in targeted therapy regimens
Currently, the drugs used in targeted therapy regimens can be broadly classified into the following categories:
▼Anti-tumor angiogenesis (VEGF)
For example, monoclonal antibodies used to treat colorectal cancer can inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor, thereby inhibiting angiogenesis, preventing tumors from obtaining the nutrients needed for growth and causing them to shrink and die.
▼Blocking intracellular signal transduction in tumor cells
For example, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), used to treat EGFR gene-mutant non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma, inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells by blocking tumor cell signaling.
▼Targeting cancer cell surface receptors
For example, targeted drugs for HER2-positive breast cancer.
Side effects of targeted therapy
While targeted therapy is effective in treating cancer cells, it can also cause side effects. Common side effects include skin reactions (such as rashes and dryness), gastrointestinal discomfort (such as diarrhea and nausea), fatigue, and high blood pressure. In addition, some patients may experience abnormalities in liver function or the blood system, such as decreased white blood cell or platelet counts, and certain targeted drugs may also trigger cardiovascular problems. Therefore, when undergoing targeted therapy in Hong Kong, doctors will regularly monitor the patient's condition to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Introduction to genes
FAQ
How does the principle of targeted therapy differ from that of chemotherapy?
Targeted therapy works by targeting specific molecules or gene mutations to inhibit cancer cell growth, with less impact on normal cells and fewer side effects than chemotherapy; while chemotherapy attacks rapidly proliferating cells, including normal cells, without selectivity.
Which cancers are suitable for targeted drug therapy?
Targeted drug therapy is primarily suitable for cancers with specific gene mutations or protein expressions, such as HER2-positive breast cancer and non-small cell lung cancer lung cancer with EGFR gene mutations.
What are the side effects of targeted drug therapy?
Common side effects of targeted drug therapy include skin rash, high blood pressure, and diarrhea, with the severity varying depending on the medication and individual constitution. When receiving targeted therapy in Hong Kong, doctors will adjust the treatment plan based on the patient's condition to minimize side effects.
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