Targeted Therapy

A type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells without harming normal cells. Currently, these are used primarily for stage IV of non-small cell lung cancer that has not responded to other treatments. 

Types of targeted therapy:

• Monoclonal antibodies

        This therapy uses antibodies made in the laboratory from a single type of immune  

        system cell. These antibodies can identify substances on cancer cells or normal  

        substances that may help cancer cells grow. The antibodies attach to the substances 

        and kill the cancer cells, block their growth, or keep them from spreading. These 

        antibodies are given by infusion and they may be used alone or to carry drugs, 

        toxins, or radioactive material directly to cancer cells.

        Monoclonal antibodies used :

        * bevacizumab 

          ~ binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and may prevent the 
             growth of new blood vessels that tumours need to grow.

        * cetuximab

          ~ binds to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and works to stop cancer 
             cells from growing and dividing.

•  Tyrosine kinase inhibitors 

         These inhibitors block signals needed for tumours to grow. They may be used 
         with other anticancer drugs as adjuvant therapy.

          Tyrosine kinase inhibitors used :

          * erlotinib 

          * gefitinib

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• they often are less harmful to normal cells as they block steps or cellular chemical changes specific to the development of cancer. 

Cons:

• immune system changes
• slower wound healing
• blood pressure changes

Click here to read on the article of an interview about targeted therapy in lung cancer.

Reference:

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/non-small-cell-lung/Patient/page4

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