Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to act on particular features that help cancer cells grow or survive.

Some medicines block a growth signal, some attach to a marker on the cell surface, and others interrupt signals inside the cell. It is a systemic treatment, meaning the medicine travels through the bloodstream. A medicine may be offered alone or alongside surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or immunotherapy.

Your cancer team first checks the tumour type, its extent, previous treatment and relevant laboratory results. Testing a tumour sample or blood can identify a feature that matches a medicine. Treatment may be taken as tablets or capsules at home, given through a vein in a treatment unit, or delivered under the skin. Visits include review of symptoms and tests that check how your body is tolerating treatment.

Side effects vary with the medicine and can include tiredness, diarrhoea, skin changes, mouth soreness, nausea, raised blood pressure or changes in blood tests. Contact your cancer team promptly for fever, severe diarrhoea or vomiting, breathlessness, chest pain, sudden swelling, confusion, yellowing of the eyes or skin, heavy bleeding, or a widespread blistering rash. Do not stop or restart a medicine without the prescribing team’s advice unless you are told to do so.

Outcomes depend on the cancer type, the feature being targeted, how the cancer responds and the overall treatment plan. A matched medicine can slow cancer activity, shrink areas of cancer, or help control symptoms in some situations. Scans, examinations and blood tests show whether the current plan remains suitable; a change in treatment can be considered if cancer changes or side effects become difficult to manage.

Targeted therapy is not one single treatment. Each medicine has its own instructions, interactions and monitoring plan. Tell the team about prescribed medicines, supplements, herbal products and any difficulty swallowing tablets.

It may be considered when a cancer has a target that a medicine can act on. It is used for several cancers, including some forms of Lung Cancer, Melanoma, Kidney Cancer and Leukaemia. The team also considers organ function, other health conditions, pregnancy plans and what treatment has already been used.

Before the first dose, you meet the prescribing clinician to discuss the medicine, expected monitoring and how to get help outside clinic hours. Baseline blood tests and, where appropriate, heart tracing or imaging may be arranged. Collect or receive the medicine, follow the written schedule, and bring a current medicine list to each visit.

There is no surgical recovery period, but treatment often needs an adjustment period. Keep a symptom diary, record doses, and report changes early. The team may adjust timing, offer supportive medicines, pause treatment or choose another option when needed.

Some targeted medicines affect healing, blood pressure, heart rhythm, liver function or the immune system. Certain foods and other medicines can change drug levels. Ask before starting new medicines, including pain relievers and traditional remedies. Discuss dental work, planned procedures and pregnancy or breastfeeding with your oncology team.

Depending on the cancer and its features, options may include active monitoring, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy or supportive care focused on comfort and daily function. The choice is made around your goals and the features of the cancer.

Bring previous scan reports, pathology information and a full medicine list. Useful questions include whether testing found a treatment target, how the medicine is taken, which symptoms require same-day contact, and how response will be assessed.