What is targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is an immunotherapy cancer treatment that focuses on disrupting the processes that fuel cancer growth. These therapies are personalized to target the unique characteristics of each patient’s cancer by interfering with key biochemical pathways that the cancer uses to grow.
Cancer behaves differently in each person, so this treatment is tailored to each unique cancer type and patient. Our pathologists and medical oncologists work together to accurately determine the unique makeup of your cancer and provide you with a targeted cancer treatment that results in:
- Reduced damage to healthy cells
- Fewer side effects
- Enhanced treatment effectiveness
- Improved quality of life
Types of targeted therapy
Targeted therapy treatments are divided into two primary categories: small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies. At Penn Medicine, we carefully evaluate each patient to ensure they receive the targeted cancer treatment that is best for them and their type of cancer.
These targeted therapies are small enough to penetrate cancer cells, making them effective against targets located inside the cell. They block the proteins that signal cancer cells to grow.
Different types of inhibitors are used to treat different cancers. We offer several small molecule inhibitors at Penn Medicine, including:
- Vemurafenib: This medication treats melanoma caused by a gene mutation related to the BRAF protein, which can fuel cancer growth. It targets and disrupts the BRAF protein to stop or shrink the growth and spread of cancer.
- Imatinib and nilotinib: These medicines are used to target and inhibit the BCR-ABL protein, helping to stop the growth of chronic myelogenous leukemia cells.
- Erlotinib: This treatment targets the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a protein that often mutates in up to 25 percent of lung cancer cases, particularly in light smokers or those who’ve never smoked.
These proteins are created in a lab to mimic the body’s natural antibodies and are designed to attach to specific proteins on cancer cells. Once attached, these proteins can work in various ways such as marking the cancer cells for the immune system to address, blocking growth signals to keep the cancer from spreading, or delivering toxins directly to cancer cells to eliminate them.
Penn Medicine offers a variety of monoclonal antibodies, including:
- Trastuzumab: This treatment inhibits the HER2 protein, which is overactive in 25 percent of breast cancers. It helps slow or stop cancer growth.
- Bevacizumab: This medicine treats lung and colon cancers by inhibiting the growth of blood vessels that supply tumors, slowing cancer progression.
Targeted therapy vs. immunotherapy
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy are both innovative treatments commonly used to treat melanoma, and other cancer types, but they work in different ways. Immunotherapy works by boosting the body’s immune system, specifically T cells, to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, essentially training the immune system to address cancer cells it usually wouldn’t recognize. Targeted therapy involves understanding which genes in the cancer are broken. Once they are identified, doctors target powerful medicine directly to the damaged genes to stop the cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Who is a candidate for targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is not recommended for all patients and all types of cancer. Your doctor may recommend targeted therapy depending on your unique genetic profile, symptoms, and medical history. You and your doctor will work together to identify the therapy or combination of therapies that will be most effective for your specific situation and cancer type.
Currently, targeted therapies may be used to treat:
What is it like to receive targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy can be given in different ways depending on the drug type. Small molecule drugs are usually taken orally, in pill or capsule form, enabling you to take them at home while you continue the activities of your daily life. Monoclonal antibodies are typically administered intravenously and may require visits to a doctor’s office or clinic.
The frequency and duration of your targeted therapy will depend on the type and stage of your cancer, the specific therapy used, and your body’s response to the treatment. You may receive treatment daily, weekly, or monthly, often in cycles that include breaks to allow your body time to recover.
What happens after targeted therapy?
Recovering after targeted therapy can vary from person to person, depending on your overall health, the type of cancer you have, the specific targeted therapy used, and your body’s response to the treatment. During recovery, you’ll have regular appointments with your care team. They’ll monitor your progress through physical exams, blood tests, and scans to determine how well the treatment is working and to manage any side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- Skin issues
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding problems
- Heart damage
- Slower wound healing
It’s important to communicate openly with your cancer team about any changes in your health, even if they seem minor. Your doctor may prescribe medications or recommend strategies to help manage side effects, or they may improve or resolve on their own once treatment ends. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your care team as soon as you notice them so they can intervene early and help minimize any potential complications.
Powerful, targeted cancer therapy at Penn Medicine
Penn Medicine is a pioneer in developing innovative therapies that target cancer genes and harness the body’s immune system to treat cancer. Our researchers played a key role in the development of CAR T cell therapy, the first FDA-approved immunotherapy. This treatment has successfully helped hundreds of patients with various cancers.
We’ve continued advancing immunotherapies, including new targeted therapies for melanoma and lung cancer, providing hope to patients with limited treatment options. We combine our innovative targeted therapies with state-of-the-art technology and support services to provide our patients with a superior level of care that is difficult to find elsewhere. By choosing Penn Medicine, you can expect individualized care delivered by experienced cancer specialists who work together to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.
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Patient stories
From survivor to inspiring others to exercise
Doris Piccinin uses her own firsthand experience as a breast cancer survivors to help other survivors. “I’m excited to see a lightbulb go on for people when they realize that not all physical activity is the same, and to see them recognize and understand the questions to ask when they’re having limitations. That’s where I gain my inspiration.”
A mom-inspired clinical trial journey to help others
“I wanted to participate in a clinical trial because I was inspired by my mom,” Kate Korson said. “I saw how brave she was and the success she had on a clinical trial. I felt like I received the best possible care by taking part in a clinical trial, and it feels good to know that I’m helping others by contributing to cancer research.”
Competitive weightlifter takes on rare blood cancer
“I knew the downside—cancer winning this battle,” said Howard Aaron. “But for any competition I’ve competed in, I’ve adapted a method of mental, emotional, and psychological preparation to handle it. I took on this cancer as if it was another competition.”
Creating beauty out of a breast cancer journey
“Cancer isn’t just physically grueling. It mentally and emotionally tears you down,” Ginger Mimmo Rohlfing said of her experience navigating HER2-positive breast cancer, chemotherapy, mastectomy, and breast reconstruction surgery. Her paintings of leaf and petal patterns “were a metaphor for putting pieces of myself back together.”
First-ever CAR T cell patient who lived beyond hope
“I’m looking for [extending life by] a day, a week, or a month, and here they are telling me I don't have cancer,” said Bill Ludwig, years later. “It was just like someone told you, ‘You won the lottery.’”
Living and giving back for gynecologic cancer patients
Dalia Jakas wanted to live in spite of a uterine cancer recurrence in her 80s, but she wouldn’t accept any compromises on the quality of her life. After her proton therapy treatment, Jakas is now giving back by funding research to help other patients. “I am eternally grateful to Dr. Taunk and his competent team for saving my life,” she said.
From patient to advocate, battling breast cancer and disparities
With her metastatic breast cancer under control, Jamil Rivers is looking out for other Black women. “We’re trying to help them understand what to anticipate, what questions to ask, and how to be advocates for themselves.”
Stronger than fear
“I remember what another cancer survivor told me after my diagnosis: You’re stronger than you think,” Becky Yu said. “It stuck with me and gave me confidence to believe in myself. The fear of ‘is it coming back?’ is still there at the back of my head, but I keep moving forward.”
A CAR T cell research participant gains unexpected life
“I’ve been so blessed to be in the study,” said Walter Styer, “and to enjoy 68 years of marriage with Sarah.” In the 11 years after he enrolled in an early trial of CAR T cell therapy, they’ve celebrated the weddings of grandchildren, attended graduations, and welcomed 11 great-grandchildren.
Proton therapy for skin cancer: Chuck's story
Penn Medicine cured my cancer, and I’m living a wonderful, healthy life, appreciating every day I have with my family.