Cancer is a complicated illness that develops when aberrant cells in the body grow out of control. A sort of cancer treatment known as targeted cancer therapy is made to directly target the tumor’s aberrant cells while causing the least amount of harm to healthy cells.
Specific molecules that are involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells are the targets of targeted cancer therapies. Proteins, enzymes, or other molecules that are overexpressed or altered in cancer cells might be among these molecules, which are referred to as targets.
Targeted Cancer Therapy
Monoclonal antibody therapy is a typical form of targeted cancer therapy. The molecules known as monoclonal antibodies are made to specifically target certain proteins on the surface of cancer cells.
A monoclonal antibody can interfere with a cancer cell’s ability to grow and divide by attaching to it. Additionally, monoclonal antibodies can be used to deliver radiation therapy or chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells.
Small molecule inhibitors are yet another form of targeted cancer treatment. Small molecule inhibitors are medications created to stop the action of certain molecules essential to the development and survival of cancer cells. These medications can target a variety of molecular targets and are often administered orally.
Cancer Treatment
Compared to conventional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy, targeted cancer therapies provide a number of benefits. Targeted cancer treatments have the potential to be more successful in eliminating cancer cells while causing the least amount of harm to healthy cells.
This can lessen the negative effects of cancer therapy, including tiredness, nausea, and hair loss. Additionally, because cancer cells can be more precisely targeted by targeted cancer therapies, treatment outcomes can be enhanced and the likelihood of cancer recurrence can be decreased.
Targeted cancer medicines do, however, have significant drawbacks. Targeted medicines may become less effective over time if some cancer cells acquire resistance to them. Targeted therapy can also be costly, and insurance may not cover them.
Conclusion
Targeted cancer therapy is a sort of cancer treatment that focuses on cancer’s aberrant cells while causing the least amount of harm to healthy cells. Two prevalent forms of targeted cancer therapy include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.
Although targeted cancer therapies have some benefits over conventional cancer treatments, there are some drawbacks that must be taken into account. New and enhanced methods for the treatment of cancer may be developed as a result of continued research and development in this field.