Targeted cancer therapy

Definition

Targeted cancer therapy refers to a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells, often while doing less damage to normal cells. This approach leverages the unique characteristics of cancer cells, such as genetic mutations or specific proteins, enabling more precise treatment options that can improve outcomes and reduce side effects compared to traditional therapies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Targeted therapies are often used for specific types of cancers, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer, where particular genetic markers are identified.
2. These therapies can work by blocking signals that allow cancer cells to grow or by interfering with the molecules involved in tumor growth.
3. Some targeted therapies are designed to overcome resistance to traditional chemotherapy by providing a different mechanism to attack the cancer.
4. Patients undergoing targeted therapy may experience fewer side effects compared to conventional treatments because these therapies focus on specific pathways in cancer cells.
5. The development of targeted therapies is closely linked to advancements in genomics and bioinformatics, which enable the identification of unique genetic alterations in tumors.

Review Questions

• How does targeted cancer therapy differ from traditional chemotherapy in terms of specificity and side effects?
  • Targeted cancer therapy is designed to specifically attack cancer cells based on their unique characteristics, such as genetic mutations or surface proteins. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which indiscriminately affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapies aim to minimize damage to normal tissues. This specificity often results in fewer side effects for patients, allowing for a more tolerable treatment experience while still effectively addressing the malignancy.
• Discuss the role of biomarkers in personalizing targeted cancer therapy for patients.
  • Biomarkers play a critical role in personalizing targeted cancer therapy by providing information about the specific characteristics of an individual's tumor. By identifying particular genetic mutations or protein expressions through biomarker testing, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans that target these unique features. This personalization enhances the likelihood of treatment efficacy and helps avoid unnecessary side effects from ineffective therapies, thereby improving overall patient outcomes.
• Evaluate the impact of advancements in bioinformatics on the development and implementation of targeted cancer therapies.
  • Advancements in bioinformatics have significantly impacted the development and implementation of targeted cancer therapies by enabling researchers to analyze vast amounts of genomic data quickly and effectively. Through sophisticated algorithms and data mining techniques, scientists can identify novel genetic alterations associated with specific cancers, leading to the discovery of new drug targets. This integration of bioinformatics not only accelerates the pace of therapeutic innovation but also supports the refinement of existing treatments, ensuring that they are based on robust scientific evidence tailored to individual patient profiles.

Related terms

Biomarkers: Biological molecules found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues that indicate the presence of cancer or a response to treatment.

Monoclonal Antibodies: Lab-made antibodies designed to target specific antigens on cancer cells, aiding the immune system in recognizing and attacking them.

Immunotherapy: A treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer by enhancing its ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells.