Targeted Therapy for Hemato-oncology and Pediatric Oncology

What is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy, also known as molecular therapy or precision medicine, is a treatment for pediatric cancer. It aims to identify and eliminate specific mutated genes, proteins, or surrounding tissues that cause cancer. Targeted therapy is primarily used to treat children’s blood-related cancers, such as lymphoma or leukaemia. It can be combined with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Apollo Hospitals in Karnataka offers comprehensive cancer care, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, for all types of pediatric cancer under the discipline of Hemato-Oncology.

How does Targeted Therapy Work?

Targeted therapy works at the cellular level. Cancer cells grow by deriving specific molecules, often in the form of proteins, which are produced by certain genes and even the cells themselves. Targeted therapy is designed to target these cancer-causing genes and molecules, where the drug attaches to them. Sometimes, it may prevent the molecules from reaching their intended destination, or it may hinder their normal function. This effectively restricts the growth and spread of cancer.

Targeted therapy can also impede the oxygen and nutrient supply to cancer cells. It may even be designed to trap and kill the cancer cells. Regardless of the specific mechanism, the ultimate goal of targeted therapy is to restrict the growth and spread of cancer.

What are the Types of Targeted Therapy?

Among all the different types of targeted therapies for cancer treatment, the major ones include the following:

• Small molecule drugs: Small molecule drugs work by entering cancer cells and interfering with the molecules inside or on the surface of these cells.
• Monoclonal antibodies: Monoclonal antibodies are larger and work outside cancer cells by attaching to their surface. These antibodies are produced using cloned cells that generate antibodies capable of interfering with specific targeted molecules. They can also be utilized to deliver toxic molecules directly into cancer cells.

Some targeted therapies can assist in marking cancer cells, enhancing their visibility for treatment through immunotherapy. Targeted therapy can also be employed to eliminate or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

What does Targeted Therapy Treat?

Targeted therapy has proven effective in treating many types of blood cancers, particularly pediatric cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. With advancements in targeted therapy research, other forms of childhood cancer may also be treated using different targeted therapy approaches.

How is Targeted Therapy Used?

Targeted therapy is utilized to treat various types of cancers, including pediatric cancer. It may be employed as a treatment option when other treatments have not produced the desired results or when cancer has recurred. Before administering any targeted therapy drug, tests may be performed to assess any genetic changes or mutations in the tumor cells.

Targeted therapy may be used alone, but it is often combined with other cancer treatment modalities such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. In some cases, multiple targeted therapy drugs may be employed simultaneously.

How is Targeted Therapy Given?

Targeted therapy drugs are usually administered orally or intravenously. Multiple doses may be needed, and patients may be continuously monitored to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

Although targeted therapy is designed to affect cancer cells more than normal cells, some side effects may still occur. The specific side effects of targeted therapy depend on the drug administered to the patient. Some common side effects of targeted therapy include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Skin problems
• Wounds that don’t heal
• Low white blood cell and red blood cell count
• Elevated liver enzymes

The side effects of targeted therapy may be well managed with the help of pediatric oncologists through supportive medication and care.

Apollo Hospitals Karnataka is a renowned and trusted name for the treatment of pediatric and adult cancer under the Hemato-Oncology discipline. Our team of pediatric oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, haematologists, and various other oncology specialists is committed to providing the highest quality of cancer treatment. We are supported by technologically advanced, state-of-the-art equipment to ensure pain-free and accurate treatment as much as possible.