Description: Targeted therapy is an innovative approach in cancer treatment that uses medications or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy focuses on specific characteristics of tumor cells, such as genetic mutations, overexpressed proteins, or the tumor microenvironment. This allows for a more personalized and effective treatment tailored to the particularities of each patient and their type of cancer. Targeted therapies may include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and hormone-based therapies, among others. This approach not only improves treatment efficacy but can also reduce side effects, resulting in a better quality of life for patients. Research in this field is continuously evolving, with new drugs and therapeutic combinations being developed, paving the way for a promising future in the fight against cancer.
History: Targeted therapy began to take shape in the 1980s when the first genetic mutations associated with cancer were identified. An important milestone was the discovery of the HER2 gene in 1987, which led to the development of trastuzumab (Herceptin) in 1998, a monoclonal antibody used to treat HER2-positive breast cancer. Since then, research has rapidly advanced, and by the 2000s, multiple targeted therapies were introduced to the market, such as imatinib (Gleevec) for chronic myeloid leukemia. Targeted therapy has evolved to include a variety of approaches, from protein inhibitors to immune-based therapies, reflecting a shift towards more personalized and specific treatments.
Uses: Targeted therapy is primarily used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including breast cancer, lung cancer, leukemias, and lymphomas. It is applied in situations where specific molecular characteristics of the tumor have been identified, allowing doctors to select treatments that align with the genetic profile of the patient’s cancer. Additionally, its use in combination with other therapies, such as immunotherapy, is being explored to enhance treatment efficacy and overcome drug resistance.
Examples: A notable example of targeted therapy is the use of imatinib (Gleevec) to treat chronic myeloid leukemia, which works by inhibiting a specific protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. Another example is trastuzumab (Herceptin), used in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, blocking the signaling that stimulates tumor growth. Additionally, EGFR inhibitors, such as erlotinib (Tarceva), are used in certain types of non-small cell lung cancer, targeting specific mutations in the EGFR gene.
