What is targeted therapy for cancer?

It is a type of cancer treatment that targets the proteins that control how cancer cells grow, divide and spread. It focuses on genetic changes or mutations that turn healthy cells into cancer cells.

To use targeted therapy, the doctor tests you for the genetic changes responsible for helping cancer cells grow and survive. Then identify specific treatments to kill those cancer cells without harming the healthy cells. Targeted therapy may be combined with other treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) or alone.

Once the doctor understands the genetic mutation changing a healthy cell into a cancer cell, they identify specific parts of the cancer cell to target for treatment.

Targeted therapy is used in some types of blood cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, bone cancer, lung cancer, digestive system cancers, head and neck cancers, urinary system cancers, skin cancers etc.

Targeted therapy is a very effective treatment, but it isn’t always successful as identifying a target for therapy is a challenging process. Your doctor will confirm whether targeted therapy is the right treatment for the cancer you have.

You may receive targeted therapy by swallowing a pill, shot under the skin (subcutaneously) or through an intravenous injection.

You will have regular visits with your doctor so that they can monitor your progress. They may do some blood tests, x-rays, CT scans and other tests.

Early diagnosis and treatment give the best results in terms of cure.

Looking for best head and neck cancer treatment in Bangalore?

Dr. Satish Nair has 30 years of experience and performs the best cancer surgeries with improved surgical and patient outcomes. Contact him today.

Don’t ignore your symptoms and book your appointment today with the best cancer surgeon for oral cancer treatment at Apollo Hospital, Bannerughatta Road, Bangalore