This drug therapy targets specific features of cancer cells, known as the molecular target, to stop the cancer cell from growing and spreading. The drug will only be given if the cancer cells have the target.
Types of targeted therapy drugs
There are many different types of targeted therapy drugs. They are grouped together depending on how they work. These groups include monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors.
- Monoclonal antibodies are a manufactured version of natural antibodies made by the body to fight infections. Examples include angiogenesis inhibitors such as bevacizumab.
- Small molecule inhibitors block certain proteins that tell cancer cells to grow. Examples include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as imatinib and dasatinib, and PARP inhibitors such as olaparib.
Availability of targeted therapy in Australia
In Australia, targeted therapy drugs are now available for a range of cancers, including:
- blood cancers such as leukaemia and lymphoma
- common cancers such as bowel, breast, lung and melanoma
- other cancers such as cervical, head and neck, kidney, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, sarcoma, stomach and thyroid.
For many of these cancers, targeted therapy is available only when the cancer is advanced. For some types, it is also available for early-stage cancer.
How it is given
Targeted therapy may be given as tablets or capsules that you swallow, intravenously into a vein or as an injection under the skin.
Side effects of targeted therapy
Targeted therapy drugs circulate through the body. This therapy targets cancer cells, but can also affect normal cells. Skin problems are a common side effect. Other side effects can include fever, fatigue, joint aches, nausea, headaches, itchy eyes, diarrhoea, bleeding and bruising, and high blood pressure.
For more on this, see our general section on Targeted therapy.
Targeted therapy drugs can interact with many common medicines and cause potentially harmful side effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines – including vitamin and herbal supplements – so they can check for any known problems.
Video: What is targeted therapy?
Watch this short video to learn more about targeted therapy.
Podcast: Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
More resources
A/Prof Kate Mahon, Director of Medical Oncology, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Katherine Bell, Dietetics Department, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Brigitta Leben, Dietetics Department, Liverpool Hospital, NSW; Sophie Michele, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Jess Smith, Medical Oncologist, Macquarie University Hospital, NSW; Karene Stewart, Consumer; Julie Teraci, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Skin Cancer and Melanoma, Cancer Network WA.
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