Targeted Therapies
This is a growing area of research and development within cancer care. Within the past decade, about 40 different new targeted therapies for 12 different cancers has been approved.
There are proteins in the body that help control how cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. Targeting therapies are small molecule drugs, immunotherapy, or monoclonal antibodies that target cancer cells. There are tests that can help determine if a specific type of tumor will respond to these targeted therapies. The small molecule drugs target the inside of the cell while immunotherapy drugs use the body’s immune system to fight the cancer. The monoclonal antibodies can attack cancer along several pathways. These proteins can:
- Attach to the outside of the cancer cell so it can be more easily potted by the immune system.
- Cause cancer cells to self-destruct.
- Directly kill the cancer cells.
- Deliver toxins into the cancer cells to kill them.
While these drugs have been shown to be effective, some cancer cells can become resistant to this therapy and there can be side effects. In addition, these therapies can negatively interact with several other prescription medications. Because herbs and nutrients taken as dietary supplements may also interact with these targeted therapies, it’s important to work with an integrative provider who is knowledgeable about these targeted treatments to ensure safety while enhancing treatment outcomes and reducing treatment side effects.
