Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy for cancer works by focusing on destroying the specific cells that cause cancer to grow and spread. While this therapy offers significant benefits, it’s important to understand what targeted therapy is and the potential targeted therapy side effects that may occur.

Our expert team is here to guide you through every step of your cancer journey with personalized care and support.

What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy uses medicines that are aimed at the cancer cell specifically. Because of this, targeted therapy may cause fewer side effects. There are many kinds of targeted therapy medicines. They work differently on different types of cancers.

Targeted therapy medicines work in various ways. The type of medicine used and its effects depend on the type of cancer being treated. Some medicines help your body attack cancer cells. Others change or slow the growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be used alone or with surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Targeted therapy interferes with the specific proteins that help tumors grow and spread. This is different from chemotherapy which kills all cells that grow and divide quickly, not just the cancer cells. Testing your cancer type for targets to help choose your treatment is called biomarker testing. You may need your doctor to remove a piece of the tumor for testing, called a biopsy. Once your providers know the specific mutation of your cells, they can come up with a targeted therapy treatment plan for you.

Treatment Overview

Targeted therapy medicine can be given as a pill you take by mouth and swallow. It may be given as an injection. Or it can be given slowly through a small tube (IV) that is placed in a vein in your arm or hand. It may be done at home, or in a healthcare provider’s office, clinic, or hospital. The length of time depends on the type of medicine and how it is given. You may need to have treatments every day, once a week, or every few weeks.

Benefits and Risks

What are the benefits of targeted therapy?

The main benefit of targeted therapy for cancer is that it helps preserve surrounding healthy cells from damage. Targeted therapy can also be highly effective at treating cancer.

What are the risks of targeted therapy?

Risks and complications of targeted cancer therapy include:

• Infection
• Failure to slow the growth of or kill cancer cells
• Damage to the scalp that causes permanent hair loss

Your health care provider will tell you about other risks that may apply to you.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of targeted therapy?

The medicines used to treat cancer often cause side effects. Targeted therapy side effects vary depending on which medicine is used. Most of the side effects are temporary. They often go away a month or so after treatment ends. The most common side effects are:

• Skin issues. A rash can occur on the head, face and upper body. The skin may be warm and red. Bumps that look like acne may form on the skin. Your skin may become very dry and crack. It may itch, burn or hurt when it is touched. It may have a yellow tint to it. Sores may develop on the scalp. The palms of the hands and soles of the feet may become swollen, red and sore. You may have pain or numbness, redness, swelling and blisters. Eyelids can become painful, swollen or itchy. They may flip inward or outward. Cuticles may be red and painful.
• Blood vessel issues. These can include high blood pressure and blood clots. You may also have bleeding, bruising and poor wound healing. In some people, these issues can cause serious problems that need treatment.
• Digestive issues. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Digestive issues may also cause dehydration.

Rarely, targeted therapy can cause your hair to become thin and very dry. It may break off more easily. Hair loss may occur on the scalp and lead to bald spots. Or the hair can become curly. Hair may grow in darker during treatment. Hair on the face may grow faster or become thin. Your fingernails and toenails may become weak and break easily, or they may pull away from the skin. These are rare side effects of targeted therapy.

Management & Support

With targeted therapy, most of the side effects go away after the therapy ends. During treatment, you can help manage side effects. This can help you be more comfortable. Tell your health care team as soon as you have side effect symptoms. Talk with them about how to manage your side effects. In some cases, your dose may need to be stopped for a time until your symptoms get better. 

Other support services are available to you while you are going through cancer treatment, and even after treatment ends.

• Dietitian
• Financial navigation
• Intimacy clinic
• Nurse navigation
• Spiritual support
• Support groups