Targeted therapy is a groundbreaking method of cancer therapy that specifically targets certain molecules or pathways involved in tumor development. The presentation "Targeted Therapy" discusses the newest developments in creating drugs with a high degree of specificity in targeting cancer cells and low toxicity to normal tissue.
Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which impacts both the cancerous and regular cells, targeted therapy functions by disrupting the particular proteins, genes, or signaling pathways responsible for the growth of tumors. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and small molecule inhibitors, all of which target critical processes that enable cancer survival and growth.
This session also investigates the advantages of combining targeted therapy with additional therapies, including immunotherapy or chemotherapy, in order to maximize effect and minimize resistance. It also deals with the use of biomarkers to identify patients most likely to respond to particular targeted therapies, allowing for a more individualized approach to treatment.