Targeted Therapy in Turkey

Discover Targeted Therapy in Turkey

Targeted therapy is a promising approach in cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to specifically target and attack cancer cells, while sparing normal cells from harm. Cancer cells often have unique genetic changes, which become the focus of the treatment. This strategy aims to disrupt the abnormal behavior of cancer cells, such as uncontrolled growth and division.

Types of Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy encompasses various specialized approaches to treat different types of cancer.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors: These drugs prevent the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to cancer cells. For example, bevacizumab is effective in treating various types of cancer.

Monoclonal Antibodies: These antibodies can deliver molecules independently or combine with drugs to target and eliminate cancer cells. Examples include alemtuzumab for specific chronic leukemias, trastuzumab for certain breast cancers, and cetuximab for specific colorectal, lung, head, and neck cancers. Some monoclonal antibodies specifically target cancer cells, while others enhance the immune system’s response to help recognize and eliminate cancer cells.

Proteasome Inhibitors: These compounds interfere with the normal functions of cells, leading to the death of cancer cells. Bortezomib is used to treat multiple myeloma.

Signal Transduction Inhibitors: These drugs disrupt cellular signals, altering the behavior of cancer cells. For example, imatinib is effective in certain chronic leukemias.

AVM: The exact cause of AVMs is unknown, but they are believed to develop during fetal development. Symptoms of an AVM may include seizures, headaches, neurological deficits, or bleeding into the brain (hemorrhage).

Cavernoma: Cavernomas can be congenital or develop later in life. Symptoms may include seizures, headaches, neurological deficits, or hemorrhage.

How is Targeted
Therapy Different from Chemotherapy?

It is important to distinguish targeted therapy from traditional chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Unlike chemotherapy, which can harm healthy cells along with cancer cells, targeted therapy specifically focuses on the unique changes that distinguish cancer cells. This precision reduces side effects, making targeted therapy a more refined and patient-friendly option.

Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy:

Signal transduction inhibitors are a specific aspect of targeted therapy that disrupt cellular signals to modify the behavior of cancer cells. This approach has shown significant effectiveness, particularly in certain chronic leukemias, with drugs like imatinib making a notable impact. The intersection of targeted therapy and signal transduction not only enhances our understanding of cancer biology but also opens new avenues for developing more effective and precise treatments.

Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer:

Targeted therapy has made remarkable progress in the treatment of lung cancer, a formidable disease. Specific drugs that target epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR) have shown effectiveness in certain subtypes of lung cancer, ushering in a new era of personalized and effective treatment options.

Navigating Targeted Therapy Side Effects:

While targeted therapy holds promise, it is not without challenges. Understanding and managing side effects is crucial to optimize patient outcomes. Healthcare providers work closely with patients to find a balance between therapeutic effectiveness and manageable side effects, which can range from gastrointestinal disturbances to skin rashes.

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