Targeted cancer therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to specifically target the molecular changes that are driving cancer growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies are designed to interfere with specific molecules (often proteins) involved in tumor growth and progression.

Key Features of Targeted Therapy: 🎯 Precision: Targets cancer cells more specifically, often sparing normal cells.

🧬 Molecular Target: Acts on specific genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contributes to cancer.

💊 Forms: May be small-molecule drugs (often taken orally) or monoclonal antibodies (usually administered intravenously).

Examples of Targets: HER2: In breast cancer (e.g., trastuzumab/Herceptin)

EGFR: In non-small cell lung cancer (e.g., erlotinib)

BCR-ABL: In chronic myeloid leukemia (e.g., imatinib/Gleevec)

VEGF: In various cancers to block blood vessel growth (e.g., bevacizumab)

Types of Targeted Therapies: Monoclonal Antibodies – Bind to cancer cell surface proteins or help the immune system destroy cancer.

Small Molecule Inhibitors – Enter cells and block internal processes (e.g., kinase inhibitors).

Hormone Therapies – Block hormones that fuel some cancers like breast and prostate cancer.

Challenges: Resistance: Cancer can mutate and become resistant to targeted drugs.

Biomarker Testing Needed: Only patients with specific molecular profiles benefit.

Side Effects: Although often milder than chemo, they can include liver problems, rash, or cardiovascular effects.