Targeted molecular therapy. How does it work?

Molecularly targeted therapy is one of the newest and most promising cancer therapies that scientists recognize as the future of cancer treatment. It is classified as personalized medicine, i.e., based on knowledge about neoplastic changes at the molecular level, which varies depending on the patient. Thanks to this approach, it is possible to prepare individualized treatment regimes. The main goal is to detect and then block the mechanisms responsible for the development of neoplastic disease. What else is worth knowing?

Molecular therapy — what is it?

The development of genetics and indepth knowledge of the biology of tumors allowed us to identify the characteristics of a given type of cancer. This made it possible to choose an approach in oncological treatment that focuses on targeting a specific genetic mutation that lead to developing cancer. Molecularly targeted therapy is classified as chemotherapy, but it includes drugs that bind to very specific molecular targets (like cell receptors or certain biochemical pathways). This means that, unlike typical cytostatics, they focus on specific structures within cancer cells, known as molecular targets. This allows for a more selective therapy when compared with regular chemotherapy.

Molecular cancer therapeutics — advantages and effectiveness

One of the most important steps in molecular therapy is identifying the molecular target that is the source of the disease. For this purpose, it is necessary to carry out a thorough genetic analysis of the tumor cells. The effectiveness of such therapy results from the possibility of individualized adjustments of the treatment to the type of genetic changes responsible for the development of the disease. The precision of molecular treatment translates into an increase in the cure-rate and a reduction in the negative impact of therapy on the patient's condition. Molecularly targeted therapy is less toxic, is associated with a reduced risk of complications and has less side effects.

Molecularly targeted therapy — when is it used?

So far, the European Society of Medical Oncology has approved about 20 markers, allowing them to be admitted to clinical practice.
Currently, molecularly targeted therapy can be used in the following cases:

• Colorectal cancer;
• Melanoma;
• Gastric stromal carcinoma;
• Lung cancer;
• Breast cancer.

As part of treatment, various drugs are used, the action of which is directed at specific genetic changes responsible for the disease.

Molecularly targeted therapy — availability

Molecularly targeted therapy plays a very important role in oncological treatment. So far, effective methods have been developed in the treatment of several types of cancer. A large proportion of diagnosed patients still require other methods of therapy — surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormone therapy.