Advanced Targeted Therapies
The comprehensive strategy of the Issels Immunotherapy provides the option of integrating advanced targeted therapies into the treatment programs when indicated and always tailored to the individual patient's requirements.
Targeted cancer therapies are medications that block the growth and spread of cancerous cells by interfering with specific molecules needed for tumor growth and progression.
Targeted therapies are designed to inhibit only cancerous cell replication and tumor growth, whereas traditional chemotherapy-based treatments destroy rapidly dividing cancerous and non-cancerous cells alike.
Targeted therapies, although chemical drugs, are not only less harmful to normal cells and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy, but they have also been shown to improve outcomes in patients who are qualified for this treatment.
There are a number of targeted therapies approved in the United States for various types of cancer.
The first molecular target for targeted cancer therapy was the cellular receptor for the female sex hormone estrogen, which many breast cancers require in order to grow.
Several drugs that interfere with estrogen binding to the ER have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ER-positive breast cancer. Drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators include Tamoxifen, Faslodex and others.
Targeted cancer therapies have been developed that interfere with a variety of other cellular processes.
Some therapies block specific enzymes and growth factor receptors involved in cancer cell proliferation. These drugs are also called signal transduction inhibitors, such as Gleevec for chronic myelogenous leukemia and other types of cancer, Tarceva for non-small cell lung cancer, the monoclonal antibodies Rituxan for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Herceptin for some types of breast cancer, Erbitux for colon cancer and squamous cell cancer of head and neck.
Other targeted therapies block the growth of blood vessels to tumors (angiogenesis) to grow beyond a certain size, such as Avastin, a monoclonal antibody, for colon and other types of cancer, Nexavar, a small-molecule inhibitor for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Targeted therapies have less toxic side effects and are generally well tolerated, but also have limitations. The main limitation is the potential of cells to develop resistance.
The advantages are:
1. That most targeted therapies recommended are oral which allows patients relative independent control over dosage and schedule depending on tolerability and ability to continue treatments at home without need for frequent return office visits, but with regular distant follow-up care.
2. Because these medications typically are expensive, financial coverage and support is available depending on insurance status and through manufacture assistance programs depending on certain qualifications.
We work with a specialized laboratory in the United States to determine the right targeted therapy for patients whose condition warrants the integration of such therapies into the comprehensive immunotherapy programs.
References:
>> Back to top
>>>
For ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on Treatment and Costs please click here or call
1.888.447.7357