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.
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.
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.
Risks and complications of targeted cancer therapy include:
Your health care provider will tell you about other risks that may apply to you.
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:
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.
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.