Targeted Therapy

Published with the inputs from Dr Muhammed Rifayi V,  Medical Oncologist, Baby Memorial Hospitals- Kozhikode

Targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses specialized drugs designed to target specific genes, proteins, or pathways involved in cancer growth and spread. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy focuses only on the abnormal cancer cells, making it more precise, effective, and often better tolerated.

What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that blocks the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with specific molecules (known as “molecular targets”) that are involved in tumor development and progression.

How does targeted therapy work?

Targeted therapy works in several ways, such as:

• Blocking signals that cancer cells need to grow
• Stopping new blood vessel formation (anti-angiogenesis)
• Triggering cancer cell death
• Delivering toxic substances directly to cancer cells
• Each drug is designed to act only on cells with certain genetic or molecular characteristics.

Which types of cancer are treated with targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy is used in many cancers, including:

• Breast cancer (HER2-positive)
• Lung cancer (EGFR, ALK, ROS1 mutations)
• Colorectal cancer (KRAS, BRAF mutations)
• Kidney and liver cancer
• Leukemia and lymphoma
• Melanoma

Doctors use genetic testing (molecular profiling) to determine if a patient’s cancer is likely to respond to targeted drugs.

How is targeted therapy different from chemotherapy?

Is targeted therapy effective?

Yes. Targeted therapy has shown excellent results in many cancers by shrinking tumors, controlling disease, and prolonging survival — especially when used in combination with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.

What are the side effects of targeted therapy?

Side effects vary depending on the drug but may include:

• Fatigue
• Skin rashes or dryness
• High blood pressure
• Diarrhea
• Mild nausea
• Changes in liver function

Most side effects are manageable with medical supervision and supportive care.

How is targeted therapy given?

• Oral tablets or capsules (taken at home)
• Intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or cancer day care unit
• Treatment duration depends on the type and stage of cancer and the patient’s response.

What are the benefits of targeted therapy?

• More precise and personalized treatment
• Fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy
• Effective even in advanced or resistant cancers
• Can be combined safely with other therapies for better outcomes

Connect with Our Experts Today

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, the Oncology Team at Baby Memorial Hospital (BMH) offers advanced targeted therapy guided by molecular and genetic profiling — providing personalized, effective, and compassionate cancer care.

👉 Book an Appointment Online or visit BMH to consult our medical oncology specialists.