Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that has been continually developed to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells so that cancer patients can have a good quality of life again.

In addition, the treatment specifically targets cancer cells, there are less side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy. However, each type of cancer requires different targeted drugs and not all cancer can use targeted therapy. Most importantly, patients should strictly follow their oncologist’s recommendations to achieve superior treatment outcome.

What Is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a class of drugs that specifically targets a particular function. This can be to destroy targeted protein expressed in cancer cells to stop the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Types of Cancers That Can Benefit from Targeted Therapy

Currently, there are many targeted drugs that can be used in the early stages and late stages of various cancers, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, hematological cancers, and lymphomas.

Many Faces of Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy comes in many forms. They can be pills that can be taken orally in the amount and duration as directed by the oncologist. They can also be injectables as well. Furthermore, they can be used in conjunction with other cancer treatment regimens, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, etc., to increase efficacy.

Targeted Therapy for Cancer Treatment

An oncologist will test for mutations and protein expressions from the patient’s tumor biopsy or blood to assess suitability of the treatment for each individual patient.

Side Effects from Targeted Therapy

Compared to chemotherapy, targeted therapy has less side-effects. Some conditions found after treatment include dry skill, rash, itchiness, inflamed cuticles, diarrhea, oral mucositis, fatigue, loss of appetite, high blood pressure, etc. However, each patient will have different reaction. Please consult your oncologist regularly.

Targeted Therapy Specialist

Dr.Jittakarn Mitisubin, medical oncologist, Bangkok Cancer Hospital Watthnosoth

Experienced Cancer Hospital

Bangkok Cancer Hospital Watthnosoth has experience in treating cancer patients for more than a decade. A team of doctors, nurses and multidisciplinary medical specialists are ready to provide their expertise every step of the treatment plan so that patients can have a good quality of life again.