What is targeted therapy for metastatic cancer?
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to specifically target cancer cells by interfering with their growth and spread. This approach reduces side effects compared to traditional treatments like chemotherapy.
Can Targeted Therapy Be Combined with Other Treatments?
1. Combination with Chemotherapy
- Use of targeted drugs In conjunction with Chemotherapy: It can help increase the efficiency of eliminating cancer cells.
- For example, in advanced colon cancer, doctors may use the drugs cetuximab or bevacizumab in combination with chemotherapy to increase the body's response to treatment.
2. Combination with Immunotherapy
- Use of Immunotherapy For example, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in combination with targeted drugs may improve the immune system's ability to eliminate cancer cells.
- For example, in advanced lung cancer, osimertinib (a targeted drug) can be used in combination with pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) to increase the chance of controlling the disease.
3. Combination with Radiation Therapy
- Radiotherapy Helps destroy or inhibit the growth of cancer that has spread to other organs, such as bones, brain, or lungs.
- In some cases, using radiation in combination with targeted drugs, such as trastuzumab, for HER2+ breast cancer can help shrink the tumor and reduce symptoms.
4. Combination with Hormone Therapy
- For hormone-responsive cancers It means cancer and prostate cancer to find targets such as CDK4/6 inhibitors together. Hormone therapy Can help increase the efficiency of disease control.
- For example, Palbociclib is used in combination with Letrozole in patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer to slow the progression of the cancer.
Considerations in using targeted drugs in combination with other treatments
Benefits
- Increase the chance of controlling the disease and extending the life of patients.
- Reduce the size of the tumor before surgery or radiation therapy
- Reduce the chance of cancer cells becoming drug resistant
Precautions
- Using multiple methods together may increase side effects, such as reduced immunity or organ inflammation.
- Cancer gene testing is necessary before starting treatment to select the right approach for each patient.
summarize
Targeted therapy for metastatic cancer can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy to increase the effectiveness of treatment and control the disease. However, patients should consult a specialist to plan the most appropriate treatment.
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