Targeted & Immunotherapy
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are modern approaches to cancer treatment that may be considered based on the type and characteristics of a person's cancer. Unlike treatments that affect many rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies focus on specific molecular changes involved in cancer growth, while immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and respond to cancer cells.
What Is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted cancer therapy uses medicines designed to act on specific proteins, genes, or pathways that contribute to cancer development. Before treatment, doctors may recommend biomarker or molecular testing to determine whether a particular targeted medicine is appropriate.
What Is Immunotherapy?
Cancer immunotherapy works by helping the body's immune system fight cancer. Different immunotherapy medicines work in different ways, and they are used for selected cancers and clinical situations. Treatment suitability depends on factors such as cancer type, stage, previous treatments, and relevant biomarkers.
Who May Benefit?
Not every cancer responds to targeted therapy or immunotherapy. A medical oncologist reviews pathology reports, imaging, molecular or biomarker results, overall health, and previous treatment before recommending an approach. In some cases, these treatments may be used alone or alongside chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other therapies.
Monitoring During Treatment
Regular follow-up is an important part of cancer treatment. Doctors monitor treatment response, side effects, blood tests, and overall health throughout therapy. Immunotherapy and targeted medicines can cause different side effects, so patients should report new or unusual symptoms promptly.