When someone is diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, one of the first questions that comes up is: What are my treatment options?
While chemotherapy and radiation are well-known, there’s another powerful option making a difference in many lives, called ”targeted therapy”.
How does Targeted Therapy Work?
Imagine if cancer treatment could act like a GPS-guided missile, going straight to the cancer cells without causing too much damage to the healthy ones. That’s what targeted therapy aims to achieve.
Instead of attacking all fast-growing cells (like chemotherapy does), targeted therapy focuses on specific changes or “markers” found in cancer cells—like the HER2 protein or certain gene mutations. Once those are identified, medication is used to block their activity and stop the cancer from growing or spreading.
Impact of Targeted Therapy
Here are the advantages:
- It’s more precise, which often means fewer side effects
- It’s often easier to tolerate over time
- It can help patients feel better while staying on treatment longer
- It works well when paired with other treatments like hormone therapy or chemo
Who could benefit from it?
Targeted therapy is not for everyone but it can be life-changing for the right patients.
It may be recommended if:
- You have HER2-positive breast cancer
- Your cancer is hormone receptor-positive or triple-negative with certain gene changes
- Other treatments haven’t worked, or the cancer has spread
- Your doctor finds a “target” through special testing
Does It Actually Work?
It’s not a magic bullet, and it may not be the only treatment needed but when it fits, it can make a powerful difference.
Studies show that targeted therapy can:
- Shrink tumors
- Slowdown the spread
- Improve survival rates
- Help maintain a better quality of life
Conclusion
If you’re looking for more treatment options, or just want a second opinion, talking to someone experienced can help you make confident decisions.
An experienced targeted therapy cancer doctor in Kolkata, Dr Joydeep Ghosh, offers a thoughtful, personalized approach to cancer care. Book an appointment today.