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16 January, 2024 by Anshul (neobio)
Understanding the differences between targeted cancer therapy and chemotherapy is crucial to making informed decisions about cancer treatment. Both are powerful weapons in the fight against cancer, but they work in radically different ways. This guide aims to explain these treatments in clear and concise terms, helping navigate the complex landscape of cancer therapies.
Chemotherapy has been the standard approach to cancer treatment for decades. It uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. However, its inability to distinguish between cancerous and healthy cells has often been its Achilles’ heel, leading to various side effects.
To circumvent this issue, targeted cancer treatments have emerged. These therapies, while technically a type of chemotherapy, operate on a different principle. Instead of attacking all fast-growing cells, targeted therapy targets specific elements in cancer cells, leaving healthy cells largely unscathed.
Targeted cancer therapies are a modern and innovative approach to cancer treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy specifically disrupts cancer cells’ growth and spread. This selective action reduces damage to normal cells, potentially decreasing side effects.
Targeted therapies work by interfering with specific proteins that aid in the growth and spread of tumors. These proteins are often products of mutated genes, which are common in cancer cells. By blocking these proteins, targeted therapies can slow cancer growth, reduce cancer cell division, and even promote the self-destruction of cancer cells.
Primarily, targeted therapies are categorized into two types: small-molecule drugs and therapeutic antibodies, such as monoclonal antibodies. Small-molecule drugs are tiny enough to penetrate cells, making them efficient for targets inside cells. In contrast, monoclonal antibodies are larger and designed to attach to specific targets on cancer cells. Antibodies can mark cancer cells for immune system destruction, directly halt cancer growth and deliver toxins to cancer cells.
Before starting targeted therapy, tumors may need to undergo biomarker testing. This process helps identify the presence of specific proteins or genetic mutations in cancer cells that can be targets for therapy.
While initially, targeted therapy was thought to be less toxic than chemotherapy, common side effects include diarrhea, liver problems, high blood pressure, fatigue, mouth sores, and skin problems. Some of these are manageable with medication, and most subside after treatment ends.
Cancer cells can become resistant to targeted therapy. This resistance can occur when the target protein changes or when cancer cells find new growth pathways that do not rely on the target. To overcome this, targeted therapy often works best when combined with other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation.
When comparing the success rates of traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapy, the latter shows promising results. Traditional chemotherapy has a success rate of around 30%. On the other hand, success rates of up to 80% have been reported in some targeted therapy cases. This increased effectiveness is largely due to the precision of targeted therapies, which aim to limit the growth of cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
The combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy is a growing field in cancer treatment. Targeted therapy, when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, can enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment. Targeted therapy can limit the growth of cancer cells, making them more susceptible to the cell-killing effects of chemotherapy. This combination can potentially lead to better patient outcomes, fewer side effects, and improved quality of life during treatment.
However, it’s important to note that targeted therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Its effectiveness relies on the presence of specific gene mutations or proteins, which are not found in all types of cancer.
The decision to recommend targeted therapy over chemotherapy often depends on the type of cancer, its stage, and the patient’s overall health. If the cancer has specific gene mutations or proteins that can be targeted by therapy, then targeted treatment may be the optimal choice.
In some cases, targeted therapy is recommended when chemotherapy has not been effective, or if the cancer has specific genetic changes that can be targeted. For certain cancers, targeted therapy may even be the first line of treatment.
Understanding the distinctions between chemotherapy and targeted therapy is essential for navigating today’s evolving cancer treatment options. While chemotherapy remains a foundational approach, targeted therapies offer a more precise and often more effective alternative for cancers with identifiable genetic mutations. With the potential for fewer side effects and higher success rates, especially when combined with traditional treatments, targeted therapy represents a promising advancement in oncology. However, its suitability depends on individual tumor characteristics, reinforcing the importance of biomarker testing and personalized treatment planning.
