Targeted therapy is a treatment for some types of cancer.
How targeted therapy works
Targeted therapy are medicines that find and attack cancer cells.
Targeted therapy targets the parts of cancer cells that have protein or gene changes that make them different from normal cells.
You will only be offered targeted therapy if your cancer has these gene changes.
When you might have targeted therapy to treat cancer
Your healthcare team may recommend treatment with targeted therapy.
This can depend on:
- if your cancer has changes in certain proteins or genes
- your overall health
- the type of cancer you have
- any treatment you have had already
- how far your cancer has spread (the stage)
- your consent and wishes
You may have targeted therapy with other treatments or on its own.
Targeted therapy is the main type of treatment for some cancers, such as chronic myeloid leukaemia and melanoma.
Tests to check if you can have targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a personalised medicine. It is tailored to you and your cancer.
You may have tests to check if targeted therapy is likely to work for you.
These tests check for changes in certain proteins, genes or chromosomes. But they are not needed for all types of targeted therapy.
Even if your results show this treatment may work it does not mean it will always work.
Types of targeted therapy
There are many types of targeted therapy. Some targeted therapies are also a type of immunotherapy [link]. Others may be called biological therapies.
The main types of targeted therapy medicines include:
- angiogenesis inhibitors
- cancer growth inhibitors
- monoclonal antibodies (MABS)
- PARP inhibitors
Your healthcare team can discuss the different types with you. You may have tests to check which type is best for you.
Deciding to have targeted therapy
Your healthcare team will talk to you about the treatment options they think is best for you. But the final decision is yours.
Deciding to have cancer treatment
Routine tests and checks
You'll have tests:
- before treatment to check your general health
- during treatment to check your progress
Getting targeted therapy
There are different ways you can be given targeted therapy. Your doctor will explain them to you and recommend what is best.
Depending on what type you get, your healthcare team will tell you where you need to go for treatment.
You may have treatment:
- in hospital
- in a clinic that is close to your home
- at home
You may also be given medicine to prevent or treat side effects.
How long treatment is for
How much targeted therapy you'll need and how often you need it can very from person to person.
Ask your healthcare team about the number of cycles you need to treat the cancer.
How long cancer treatment is for
Side effects
The side effects of targeted therapy depend on the type of targeted therapy. It can be different for everyone.
This is because the different types of drugs target cancer cells in different ways.
Side effects of targeted therapy medicines include:
- flu-like symptoms such as chills, high temperature and muscle pain
- fatigue
- diarrhoea
- loss of appetite
- mouth ulcers
- feeling sick
If you have side effects
Tell your healthcare team if you have any side effects from any cancer medicine treatment.
They may be able to give you medicines to prevent or treat some side effects.
Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or phone your SOS hotline if:
- you are concerned about side effects or symptoms
During evenings or weekends, you can contact your local GP out-of-hours service.
Report side effects
You can report any suspected side effects to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
Taking other medicines
Check with your care team before you take any other medicines.
This includes:
- medicines you are prescribed by your GP
- medicine you buy from a pharmacy
- herbal remedies
Other medicines can affect how well targeted therapy works. They may also cause dangerous side effects.
How to find out more about your medicines
To get detailed information about a specific medicine:
- ask your care team for information
- check your patient information leaflet
Deciding to stop treatment
Talk to your healthcare team if you're thinking of stopping treatment. For example if you are struggling with side effects.
Your team can give you advice about the benefits of continuing with treatment.
But the final decision to continue or stop is yours.
Clinical trials
Scientists and researchers are finding out more about how personalised medicines like targeted therapy can treat cancer.
You may be able to get targeted therapy as part of a clinical trial for cancer.
Ask your healthcare team if there are clinical trials available for your type of cancer.
Help and support
Ask your treatment team about:
- what this type of treatment involves
- any worries you have
- about supports you can get or apply for
Help and support you can get if you or someone you care for has cancer
