Precision Medicine for Modern Cancer Care
Introduction
Targeted therapy represents one of the most transformative advancements in oncology. Unlike chemotherapy—which attacks rapidly dividing cells—targeted therapies act on specific molecular pathways, genetic mutations, or cellular receptors that drive cancer growth. This precision-based approach allows for more effective treatment with fewer systemic side effects and has significantly improved survival in multiple cancers.
At our clinic, targeted therapy is delivered through an evidence-based, biomarker-driven, and patient-centred framework. Advanced diagnostics, multidisciplinary tumour board review, and detailed monitoring ensure that every patient receives treatment aligned with their tumour biology and personal goals of care. This page provides a detailed yet accessible overview for both patients and clinicians.
1. What Is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy refers to drugs that specifically block molecules or pathways essential for cancer cell survival and proliferation. These drugs recognise abnormalities unique to cancer cells, such as:
By acting on these drivers, targeted therapies disrupt the core mechanisms that allow cancer cells to grow, invade, and spread.
2. How Targeted Therapy Works
Targeted therapy interferes with cancer biology in several ways. The most common categories include:
1. Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
These oral drugs block abnormal signalling pathways inside cancer cells.
Examples:
2. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)
These are lab-designed antibodies that bind to specific receptors on cancer cells.
Examples:
3. Angiogenesis Inhibitors
These drugs block the formation of blood vessels that tumours need for growth.
Examples:
4. PARP Inhibitors
Used in BRCA-mutated cancers, these drugs exploit DNA repair weaknesses in cancer cells.
Examples:
5. mTOR and PI3K Pathway Inhibitors
These block pathways involved in cell metabolism and growth.
6. Hormone-Signalling Modifiers
In some classifications, these are grouped separately as hormonal therapy, but they also work through targeted mechanisms.
3. Who Is Eligible for Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is not given based on tumour site alone—it depends on molecular testing. This is the foundation of precision oncology.
Essential Investigations Include:
Common Actionable Biomarkers
Not all patients will have an actionable mutation. In such cases, alternative treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or surgery may be more appropriate.
4. Why Targeted Therapy Is Used
1. Higher Precision
Because the drugs act on specific molecular abnormalities, they spare most healthy tissues.
2. Better Tolerability
Compared to traditional chemotherapy, many targeted therapies have more predictable and manageable side effect profiles
3. Increased Effectiveness in Select Cancers
Targeted therapies have transformed outcomes in:
4. Suitable for Long-Term Disease Control
Many targeted therapies are taken orally, sometimes for months or years, offering sustained cancer control and improved quality of life.
5. How Targeted Therapy Is Given
Targeted therapy can be administered in two main ways:
Oral Targeted Therapy
Many TKIs are taken as daily tablets or capsules.
Advantages:
Intravenous Targeted Therapy
Monoclonal antibodies and some inhibitors are given as IV infusions.
Examples:
These are administered in our chemotherapy day-care suite under strict monitoring.
6. Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
Although more selective, targeted therapies are not free of side effects. Each drug class has a characteristic toxicity profile.
Common Side Effects
Less Common but Significant Effects
For some cancers, chemotherapy is curative. For others, it enhances survival, reduces recurrence risk, or improves quality of life. When delivered using modern protocols and multidisciplinary care, chemotherapy is safer and more effective than ever.
Monitoring Plan
We monitor patients with:
Early detection allows us to adjust doses promptly and maintain safety.
7. Personalising Targeted Therapy
Although more selective, targeted therapies are not free of side effects. Each drug class has a characteristic toxicity profile.
1. Tumour Biomarker Profile
No genomic alteration → no targeted therapy
Actionable mutation → appropriate matched drug
2. Cancer Stage and Burden
Advanced cancers may need combination therapy.
3. Performance Status
Oral therapy is often preferred in frail or elderly patients.
4. Toxicity Risk
Individual comorbidities guide drug selection and dosing.
5. Interaction with Other Treatments
Targeted therapy may be used:
Our multidisciplinary tumour board ensures that treatment sequencing is optimised for every patient.
8. Life During Targeted Therapy
Diet
Most targeted therapies do not require special diets, but patients should maintain balanced nutrition.
Exercise
Moderate physical activity improves energy levels and overall well-being.
Monitoring Symptoms
Patients are advised to promptly report:
Medication Interactions
Some TKIs interact with common medications such as antacids, antifungals, or blood thinners. Our team reviews all existing medications before starting therapy.
9. Success Rates and Outcomes
The impact of targeted therapy varies by cancer type and mutation, but in many diseases, outcomes have improved dramatically.
Examples:
Early identification of actionable mutations is crucial, which is why we integrate molecular testing early in the treatment pathway.
10. Why Our Clinic’s Approach Is Distinct
Precision-Based Treatment
Molecular profiling, liquid biopsy, and advanced diagnostics guide treatment selection.
Multidisciplinary Decision-Making
Oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and pathologists jointly evaluate every case.
Rigorous Monitoring Protocols
Safety checks, labs, and imaging are done at regular intervals.
Patient Education
Detailed counselling helps patients understand expectations, benefits, and precautions.
Holistic Care
Nutrition, psychological support, and symptom management are integrated throughout therapy.
Our goal is to combine scientific accuracy with human-centred care, ensuring the best possible experience and outcomes.
Conclusion
Targeted therapy has reshaped cancer treatment, offering powerful and precise options for patients whose tumours carry specific molecular abnormalities. When delivered through a structured, evidence-based approach, these therapies offer improved outcomes, better tolerability, and longer-lasting control of disease.
At our clinic, we bring together precision diagnostics, expert multidisciplinary planning, and compassionate patient support to ensure that every targeted therapy plan is both scientifically sound and deeply personalised.
