Treatment is designed to attack only the tumour cells, specific drugs are aimed at a therapeutic target (a known cell abnormality that we can treat).
 
It is called precision, or personalised medicine, because it finds the tumour’s mutation or abnormality independently of its location.
 
The same cancer in one person can be treated differently to that in another, depending on the molecular abnormalities.
 
Tumour cells are different to normal cells, there are some genetic differences. Genes produce proteins which tell the cell how to behave.
 
Targeted therapy focuses on attacking specific abnormalities, proteins or surrounding tissue which contribute to growth and spread.

• It blocks or deactivates the signals telling the tumour cell to grow or divide.

 

• It changes proteins so that the tumour cells die.

 

• It prevents the formation of new blood vessels which feed the tumour cells.

 

• It prevents the cancer from receiving the hormones required for growth
  (hormonotherapy).

Common molecular targets (mutations) treated with targeted therapy are: HER2, EGFR, RAS, VEGF, ALK, ROS1 and BRAF…
 
To know the specific drug for your type of mutation there are different tests:
 

There are different types of targeted therapies with distinct mechanisms of action according to the cellular abnormality presented.
 
Some of the mechanisms of action are:

As each drug is specific for each type of mutation the side effects differ depending on the drug given, each patient will also tolerate them differently
 
Some of the symptoms which can develop are:
 

• Skin problems: acne, rash, skin irritation and discomfort, sun sensitivity…

 

• Problems with wound healing or blood coagulation.

 

• High blood pressure.

 

• Infertility. In patients who are of child-bearing age it is advisable to preserve fertility before any treatment.

 
Before your treatment, your oncologist will explain the possible effects of your type of treatment and how they can be palliated.

According to the type of drug it can be given:
 

• Orally: in the form of tablets or pills. Your doctor will explain how you must take them and how to store the medication correctly.

 

• Subcutaneously: through injection which is given into the fatty tissue just underneath the skin. Hospital attendance is not required, it can be given at home.

 

• Intravenously: the drug is given directly into the vein through a needle or cannula. A visit to the day hospital is required so that a specialist nurse can administer the drug.

Your oncologist will consider the treatment regime which is most suitable for you, the tumour and the stage of the disease.
 
Often this treatment may be given as the only treatment or in combination with
chemotherapy,, radiotherapy and/or surgery.
 
All this will determine treatment time.

During your treatment, your oncologist will request different tests to see how your body is reacting to treatment.
 
These tests often include:
 

• Physical examination

 

• Radiological investigations,

 

• Blood investigations