Targeted therapies for breast cancer are drugs or treatments that block the spread and growth of cancer cells by targeting the molecules responsible for the cancer’s growth. There are different target therapies for different types of cancer.
RELATED: New imaging technique could lead to better targeted breast cancer treatment
To be able to used targeted therapy, doctors need to determine which molecules need targeting by measuring protein levels in cancer cells compared to normal, healthy cells. The cells ideal for targeting are ones that possess more protein than other cancer cells, yet less than non-cancer cells
There are various targeted therapies currently used for the treatment of breast cancer including signal transduction inhibitors, apoptosis inducers, immunotherapies, gene expression modulators and hormone therapies, all of which work slightly differently to kill the cancer cells.
One of the main risks of targeted therapy is that the cancer cells can become immune to the treatments. To try to counter this, target therapy is generally used in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy. Research into target therapies is continuing in the hope of refining and improving existing therapies and inventing new ones. Find out more about targeted therapy here.
RELATED: Read about six celebrities who fought breast cancer here.
Breast Cancer News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.