Precision Oncology · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Targeted Therapy — Precision Over Power.
A modern cancer treatment that precisely attacks specific molecules or genetic mutations in cancer cells — blocking their growth and spread while minimizing damage to normal cells.
What is targeted therapy, and how is it different from chemotherapy?
Targeted therapy is a modern cancer treatment that precisely attacks specific molecules or genetic mutations in cancer cells, blocking their growth and spread while minimizing damage to normal cells — unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells and causes higher toxicity to healthy tissue.
How does targeted therapy work in the body?
Targeted therapy drugs work through four mechanisms: blocking growth signals to cancer cells, cutting off the blood supply tumors need to survive (anti-angiogenesis), triggering programmed cell death (apoptosis), and preventing cancer from spreading to other organs.
What are the main types of targeted therapy drugs?
The main types include monoclonal antibodies (lab-made antibodies that bind to cancer cells and mark them for destruction or deliver drugs directly), small molecule inhibitors (drugs that penetrate cells to block proteins/enzymes cancer needs to grow), and hormone therapy (used for hormone-sensitive cancers like breast or prostate cancer).
How is targeted therapy administered?
Targeted therapy can be given orally as pills or capsules for convenient home-based treatment, or intravenously through IV infusion in a clinic setting for precise dosing and close monitoring.
Who is a good candidate for targeted therapy?
Good candidates include patients with cancers showing specific genetic mutations identified through molecular testing, those who haven't responded well to chemotherapy or radiation, patients with breast, lung, colon, or leukemia cancers where targeted drugs have shown strong success, and those seeking personalized treatment with fewer side effects.
What side effects can occur with targeted therapy?
Side effects are generally milder than chemotherapy and may include fatigue, skin changes, diarrhea, or changes in liver function, with treatment frequency varying daily, weekly, or in cycles depending on the drug and cancer type.
How is treatment monitored and progress tracked?
Regular tests and imaging scans are used to track how well the treatment is working, allowing the care team to make real-time adjustments to the treatment plan.
How can I find out if targeted therapy is right for me?
Dr. Aditya Sarin uses advanced genetic and molecular testing to match patients with the most effective targeted agent, and can be reached by phone at +91 93151 25514 / +91 78386 82838, via WhatsApp, or by booking a consultation on the website.
