Learn targeted therapy in cancer treatment

This is an automatically translated article.

Targeted cancer therapy is a method of treating cancer using drugs. It is different from traditional chemotherapy. The drug here is a specifically targeted therapy that helps stop the growth and spread of a tumor. They work by attacking specific genes or proteins.

1. Purpose of targeted therapy

Cancer usually begins when there are genetic changes in healthy cells. Genes have the ability to "command" cells how to produce proteins, so when genes change, these proteins can also change and cause cells to divide abnormally or live too long. will be created as cells continue to grow out of control
Researchers are finding gene changes specific to each type of cancer and thereby developing drugs that can target those These drugs can:
Block or turn off the mitotic signals of cancer cells Prevent cells from living longer than normal Destroy cancer cells

2. Types of targeted treatment

There are several different types of targeted therapy:
2.1 Monoclonal Antibody Drugs Monoclonal antibody drugs target the extracellularity of cancer cells or the area around the cancer cells. The drug can also target chemicals directly at cells. Therefore, drugs are often used along with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to increase the effectiveness of destroying cancer cells.
2.2 Small-molecule drugs Small-molecule drugs can stop cancer cells from dividing and spreading.
2.3 Antiangiogenic drugs Antiangiogenic drugs are an example of targeted therapy. A tumor needs to make blood vessels in order to receive the nutrients it needs. Therefore, doctors often prescribe this drug to stop the process of angiogenesis and make the tumor "starve".

3. Some examples of targeted therapy

You should talk to your doctor and get tested to determine your specific targeted therapy as it may not be right for you even though someone else with the same cancer is taking it. that law. Here are some examples of targeted therapy:
3.1 For breast cancer For breast cancer - about 20-25% of breast cancer cases have an excess of the protein HER2 (human epidermal growth factor). receptors 2). This protein has the ability to develop melanoma cells. If the patient is HER2 positive, several types of targeted therapy may be used.

3.2 For colorectal cancer For colorectal cancer - most cases of colorectal cancer have an excess of the protein EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor). Drugs that block the production of the EGFR protein can slow cancer growth.
3.3 For lung cancer For lung cancer, drugs that block the production of the EGFR protein can slow the growth of lung cancer. Drugs that target specific gene mutations (usually ALK and ROS) can also be used to treat lung cancer.
3.4 For melanoma For melanoma - 50% of melanoma cases are caused by a change in the BRAF gene. Therefore, researchers have developed drugs that can target the change in this gene.
Targeting medication may sound simple, but the therapy is complex and may not be effective. Remember:
Therapy will only work if the tumor has a target that the drug can target. Having tumor targets does not mean that the therapy will be able to stop tumor growth. The results of treatment may be temporary. Targeted drug therapy can cause side effects such as problems with your skin, hair, nails, or eyes. Determining the right treatment method helps patients avoid unnecessary side effects, save costs and improve treatment efficiency. Usually, cancer patients before treatment need to be tested for genes, proteins and other factors related to the tumor so that the doctor can choose the most effective therapy. So talk to your doctor to see if targeted cancer therapy is right for you.
Currently, targeted drugs at Vinmec have most modern target drugs in the world, treating many cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, blood cancer...
Reference article: Cancer.net
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