Targeted Therapy for Cancer: How It Works and Who Can Get It

टारगेटेड थेरेपी — कैंसर की खास कमज़ोरी पर वार करने वाली दवा। पहले सही जाँच ज़रूरी है।

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Targeted therapy uses medicines that block a specific change inside cancer cells — a “target” — that helps the cancer grow. Many are tablets taken at home; some are drips. For the right patient, they can work very well with fewer side effects than chemotherapy. But they only help if the tumour has the right target, which is why testing comes first.

How is it different from chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy attacks all fast-dividing cells, including hair roots and the gut lining. Targeted therapy acts mainly on cancer cells carrying a particular gene change or protein. Side effects still happen, but they are often different and milder. See chemotherapy guide for comparison.

Common targets and examples

• Breast cancer: HER2-positive (trastuzumab, pertuzumab), hormone receptor-positive (CDK4/6 inhibitors like palbociclib, ribociclib), BRCA mutation (PARP inhibitors like olaparib).
• Lung cancer: EGFR (gefitinib, erlotinib, osimertinib), ALK (crizotinib, alectinib, lorlatinib), ROS1, KRAS G12C and others.
• Blood cancers: BCR-ABL in CML (imatinib), BTK inhibitors in CLL.
• Colorectal cancer: anti-EGFR antibodies (cetuximab) when KRAS/NRAS is normal; anti-VEGF (bevacizumab).
• Ovarian and prostate cancer: PARP inhibitors for BRCA mutations.
• Kidney and liver cancer: tablets like sunitinib, lenvatinib, sorafenib.

Testing comes first

Your biopsy tissue is tested for gene changes or proteins: by IHC (HER2, ALK), PCR, FISH, or a larger panel called NGS (next-generation sequencing). Sometimes a blood test (liquid biopsy) is used if tissue is not enough. Keep your biopsy blocks and slides safe — they are needed for these tests. See biomarker testing: questions before paying and understand your biopsy report.

Side effects to watch

• Skin rash or acne-like spots, dry skin, nail infections (common with EGFR medicines).
• Loose motions, mouth sores.
• High blood pressure, swelling.
• Liver test changes, low blood counts.
• Rarely, heart or lung problems — report breathlessness quickly.

Doses can often be adjusted, so tell your team early instead of stopping on your own.

Taking cancer tablets safely at home

• Take at the same time each day, with or without food exactly as advised.
• Don’t double a missed dose unless told to.
• Avoid grapefruit and check all other medicines, including Ayurvedic or herbal products, with your oncologist — some interfere with these drugs.
• Wash hands after handling; keep away from children.

Read cancer tablets at home: safe routine.

Cost and access

Many targeted medicines now have Indian generics or biosimilars that cost far less than the original brands. Companies also run patient assistance programmes. Ask your oncologist and pharmacist about approved generic options, Ayushman coverage and NGOs. See financial support.

Does targeted therapy stop working?

Often, after months or years, the cancer finds a way around the medicine (resistance). Your doctor may repeat a biopsy or blood test to find a new target and change treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Targeted therapy se cancer khatam ho jata hai?

It can control some cancers very well, sometimes for years, and is part of curative treatment in some (like HER2-positive breast cancer). It is not a guaranteed cure.

Can everyone take targeted therapy?

No. It only helps if the tumour has the matching target, shown by tests.

Is targeted therapy safer than chemo?

Side effects are usually different and often milder, but it still needs close monitoring.

What is NGS testing?

A test that checks many cancer genes at once from tissue or blood, to find targets for treatment.

Can I take Ayurvedic medicine with targeted tablets?

Only after asking your oncologist. Some herbs change how these medicines work.

Related guides

• Immunotherapy
• Lung cancer
• Cancer tablets at home

Sources

• NCI: Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer — cancer.gov
• ESMO Clinical Practice Guidelines (lung, breast, colorectal)
• American Cancer Society: Targeted Drug Therapy
• Tata Memorial Centre evidence-based guidelines