"Targeted Therapy": Deciphering the cancer treatment approach that "locks" diseased cells while minimizing impact on healthy cells.

1. What is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a modern cancer treatment method that uses drugs designed to act directly on specific abnormalities of cancer cells, such as mutated genes or abnormally proliferating proteins. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both diseased and healthy cells, targeted therapy helps "lock" the growth mechanisms of cancer cells, thereby minimizing damage to healthy tissue and improving treatment tolerability. This method has been effectively applied in various types of cancer such as lung, breast, colorectal, and kidney cancer.

2. How is Targeted Therapy Applied in Cancer Treatment?

Targeted therapy drugs work by inhibiting the proliferative signals or survival mechanisms of cancer cells, such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, HER2, or VEGF. Targeted therapy can be used as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, depending on the type of cancer and the stage of the disease. Before prescription, patients must undergo molecular biology testing to determine whether a suitable "therapeutic target" is present. Therefore, not all patients are indicated for targeted therapy.

3. Targeted Therapy Services at the Hospital

At the hospital, targeted therapy is implemented according to international standard protocols, based on molecular testing results and a comprehensive evaluation of each patient. Patients undergo multidisciplinary team (MDT) consultation to select the appropriate therapy, while being closely monitored for side effects and treatment response. The application of targeted therapy contributes to the personalization of cancer treatment, helping to enhance treatment efficacy and improve the quality of life for patients.

The information above is for reference purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor for detailed medical consultation.