Targeted therapy
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About the service
Many tumors have certain characteristics that distinguish them from healthy cells. These may include an increased number of receptors on the cell surface, certain specific mutations, or the activation of certain genes.
This means that these cells have a specific target, which is targeted by specially developed drugs. Identifying these targets requires additional immunohistochemical or genetic testing of the tumor tissue.
What is targeted therapy?
The effectiveness of targeted therapy depends on the tumor type and stage of the disease. Overall survival for lung cancer reaches more than 20 months, for kidney cancer – 15-20 months, and for thyroid cancer – up to 2-2.5 years. In the early stages, targeted therapy reduces the risk of cancer recurrence, while in later stages, it enhances the effectiveness of other treatments and prolongs life.
Targeted therapy is a modern cancer treatment method. It differs from other approaches in its mode of action and focus:
- Chemotherapy Chemotherapy drugs affect both cancer and healthy cells, causing side effects. Targeted therapy blocks only the mechanisms that cause tumor growth, sparing surrounding tissue
- Radiation therapy Ionizing radiation targets the entire tumor. Targeted drugs block the signaling pathways that cancer cells need to grow and divide
- Immunotherapy Immunomodulators activate the immune system, causing it to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapy directly affects molecular targets, resulting in the death of mutated cells
Features of treatment at the K+31 clinic:
- Highly Qualified Specialists
- Oncology Consultation
- International Protocols – Incorporating International and Russian Standards
- Latest-Generation Foreign and Russian Medications at No Expense Markups
- Modern Supportive Treatment to Minimize Potential Side Effects
- 24-Hour Hospitalization (Optional/Necessary)
- Detailed Diagnostics (In-Hospital Laboratory, MRI, CT, Mammography, Biopsy)
- Available 24-Hour Care, Observation, and Diagnostics
- Patient Monitoring Between Therapy Cycles
- Full-Fledged Intensive Care Unit
Benefits of targeted therapy
The advantages of targeted therapy include:
- Targeted application of substances, increasing treatment effectiveness
- The ability to combat cancer types that are poorly responsive to conventional chemotherapy (in cases where malignant tumor cells have certain molecular genetic properties)
- The ability to use a comprehensive approach to cancer treatment using chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical removal of tumors
- Effectiveness in the fight against cancer in its late stages, prolonging life and improving its quality
General information
Targeted Therapy Drugs
The first targeted therapy drugs appeared in the late 20th century. To identify substances in a particular group, it is necessary to consider the name. For monoclonal antibodies, the name ends in -MAB; for small molecules and kinase inhibitors, the name ends in -IB.
Targeted therapy drugs for cancer treatment are divided according to their mechanism of action into:
- Angiogenesis inhibitors. These help block the formation of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells.
- Monoclonal antibodies. These attack specific molecules in cancer cells.
- Proteasome inhibitors. These prevent cancer cells from functioning normally, leading to their death.
- Signal transduction inhibitors. They disrupt cellular signaling, leading to the cessation of cancer cell division or its death.
Cost of targeted therapy
The price of a course of targeted therapy depends on several factors:
- Drug type. Original brand-name medications are more expensive than generics or similar medications.
- Duration of the course. The longer the treatment, the more doses of the drug required.
- Route of administration. Intravenous infusions require clinic visits and staff supervision.
- Necessary tests and examinations. Laboratory tests and patient monitoring are prescribed before and during treatment.
At the K+31 clinic in Moscow, the cost of targeted therapy corresponds to official price lists, without hidden markups. This provides patients with a treatment plan with transparent pricing, including all necessary procedures and specialist support.
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Targeted therapy in the treatment of breast cancer
In most cases, malignant breast tumors are associated with overexpression of the HER2 surface receptor, which is responsible for adequate cell growth and development. For patients with HER2-associated tumors, adjuvant targeted therapy is indicated (if the tumor is larger than 2 cm and there are lymph node metastases).
Treatment involves medications that specifically target the HER2 receptor. These include intravenous agents such as pertuzumab, emtansine, trastuzumab, and others, as well as oral medications such as apatinib. Due to its precise action, targeted therapy has low toxicity compared to chemotherapy.
Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Lung Cancer
For the treatment of non-small cell metastatic lung cancer, targeted therapy is used alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Oncologists prefer drugs that block angiogenesis, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), ALK (also known as ALK), and BRAF mutations. These drugs include bevacizumab, dabrafenib, erlotinib, crizotinib, and others.
Targeted Therapy for Melanoma
Melanoma is often caused by a pathological change in the BRAF gene, which leads to the production of a rapidly reproducing protein of the same name. BRAF inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, are used in targeted therapy to treat this type of cancer. If a change in the MEK gene is detected during diagnosis, agents that target it (trametinib, etc.) are added to the treatment.
Certain types of melanoma, particularly in areas of skin frequently exposed to ultraviolet radiation, are caused by a mutation in the C-KIT gene. In these cases, nilotinib or imatinib are preferred.
Targeted Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer
Pancreatic cancer is caused by the following mutations: SMAD4, BRCA, TP53, KRAS, and CDKN2A. There are targeted therapy drugs that specifically target these mutations, such as erlotinib. Treatment often uses a mixed approach in combination with chemotherapy. Research at Johns Hopkins University has shown that targeted therapy helps prolong the lives of people seeking treatment in the advanced stages of cancer.
Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer
This anticancer treatment method is chosen for patients with metastases. The main drugs used include:
- Agents that target the EGFR receptor, such as cetuximab.
- Agents that block the VEGFR receptor (bevacizumab, regorafenib, etc.).
- BRAF inhibitors (encorafenib).
- MEK inhibitors (binimetinib).
- Agents that block the growth of the HER2 receptor (pertuzumab, lapatinib).
Targeted Therapy for Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer is a common type of gastrointestinal cancer. It is the second-leading cause of death among all cancers. Targeted therapy for its treatment includes three drugs:
- Trastuzumab or Herceptin for HER2-positive tumors.
- Ramucirumab, or Cyramza, is an angiogenesis inhibitor. It is suitable for patients with metastatic or locally advanced cancer (adenocarcinoma).
- Fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan is a new-generation drug. It helps achieve durable tumor remission in stomach cancer.
Targeted Therapy for Kidney Cancer
Targeted therapies for kidney cancer aim to block the growth of blood vessels that feed the tumor, halt cell division, and prevent metastasis. These include:
- Sunitinib to stop angiogenesis and inhibit protein tyrosine kinases.
- Sorafenib to block the growth of new blood vessels.
- Everolimus and temsirolimus to block the mTOR protein.
- Pazopanib, bevacizumab, axitinib, and other agents to block tyrosine kinase enzymes and the growth of new blood vessels that feed the tumor.
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