Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a promising drug treatment that attacks specific features of cancer cells, known as molecular targets, to stop the cancer growing and spreading. The development of targeted therapy drugs has led to improved survival rates for several types of cancer, and some people have seen encouraging outcomes during targeted therapy treatment.

How targeted therapy may help

These drugs are becoming an increasingly important part of cancer treatment and may help:

• after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells
• to treat advanced cancer that hasn’t responded to other treatment, or cancer that has come back
• as maintenance treatment for advanced cancer.

Targeted therapy drugs often cause the signs and symptoms of cancer to reduce or disappear. This means many people can return to their usual activities. The drugs may need to be taken long term, and you will need to have regular tests to monitor the cancer.

When are targeted therapies used?

Some targeted therapy drugs have been approved for use in Australia for the treatment of a range of cancers including bowel, breast, cervical, kidney, lung, ovarian, stomach and thyroid, as well as melanoma and some forms of leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Targeted therapy drugs have been effective in treating some people with these cancers, but they may not be the best treatment for everyone with advanced cancer.

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) subsidises the cost of some targeted therapy drugs for certain cancers. Targeted therapy drugs not on the PBS are usually expensive, but you may be able to have them as part of a clinical trial.

Side effects

These vary depending on the targeted therapy used, but may include:

• fevers
• sensitivity to the sun
• rashes
• headaches
• diarrhoea
• bleeding and bruising
• blood pressure changes.

→ READ MORE: Immunotherapy for advanced cancer

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