Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of precision medicine. It targets proteins in cancer cells to destroy tumors, stop their growth, or prevent new cancer cells from forming.
By partnering with Maryland Oncology Hematology, the Adventist HealthCare Cancer Centers give you access to new, targeted treatments as part of your personal care plan.
Targeted Therapy vs. Chemotherapy
Targeted medications differ from chemotherapy in two key ways.
Chemotherapy
- Kills fast-growing cells throughout your body, including healthy cells
- Destroys existing cancer cells, but doesn’t prevent new ones from growing
Targeted Therapy
- Attacks only cancerous cells, not healthy cells
- Destroys cancer cells and stops new cancer cells from forming
Types of Targeted Therapy
Your doctor will prescribe the right type of targeted drug for your situation:
- Monoclonal antibodies – Lab-made versions of the natural antibodies your body makes to fight cancer
- Small molecule inhibitors – Drugs that are are small enough to go inside cancer cells and stop them from growing
Hormone therapy and immunotherapy are both considered targeted treatments.
Cancers Treated
Your doctor may prescribe a targeted drug for:
What To Expect
Some targeted drugs are pills you swallow. Other types are given as an outpatient injection or infusion. How often you get treatment depends on the type of cancer you have and on the medicine you receive. You may have daily, weekly, or monthly treatments. Sometimes targeted therapy is cycled. This means you take a break from treatment before starting again.
Side Effects
Like all cancer treatments, targeted therapy can cause side effects. Please ask your doctor any questions you have about how to manage:
- Skin problems, like a rash or sensitivity
- High blood pressure
- Loss of hair color
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Blood clotting problems
We offer mind, body, and spirit support along with cancer rehabilitation options to help you during and after treatment.
