Targeted therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, offering a more precise approach compared to traditional chemotherapy. At Aagam Cancer Centre, under the leadership of Dr. Ashish Kaushal, a highly experienced medical oncologist, we provide state-of-the-art targeted therapy in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Our focus is on improving patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life through the latest cancer treatments.
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs designed to specifically target cancer cells by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor growth and progression. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which can affect both cancerous and healthy cells, targeted therapy aims to minimize damage to normal cells, thereby reducing side effects and improving patient well-being.
Common Drugs and Their Benefits in Targeted Therapy
Several targeted therapy drugs are used depending on the type and stage of cancer. Here are some commonly used drugs and their benefits:
Bevacizumab (Avastin):
Indications: Bevacizumab is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), renal cell carcinoma, and glioblastoma.
Benefits: By inhibiting angiogenesis, Bevacizumab starves tumors of their blood supply, slowing their growth. In metastatic colorectal cancer, adding Bevacizumab to chemotherapy has shown to improve progression-free survival (PFS) by approximately 4 months and overall survival (OS) by 5 months. In NSCLC, the addition of Bevacizumab to platinum-based chemotherapy has improved PFS by 1.5 months and OS by 2 months.
Trastuzumab (Herceptin):
Indications: Trastuzumab is primarily used for HER2-positive breast cancer and gastric cancer.
Benefits: Trastuzumab targets the HER2 receptor, inhibiting cancer cell growth. In HER2-positive breast cancer, it has revolutionized treatment, increasing 5-year survival rates from 75% to 85% and reducing the risk of recurrence by 50%. In gastric cancer, Trastuzumab combined with chemotherapy has improved median OS by nearly 3 months.
T-DM1 (Trastuzumab Emtansine):
Indications: T-DM1 is used for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, particularly after progression on Trastuzumab.
Benefits: Combining trastuzumab with a chemotherapy drug, T-DM1 targets HER2-positive cancer cells with enhanced precision, leading to improved survival rates. Clinical trials have shown that T-DM1 can improve PFS by approximately 3 months and OS by 6 months compared to other treatments.
Trastuzumab Deruxtecan (Enhertu):
Indications: This drug is used for HER2-positive breast cancer that has metastasized.
Benefits: Combining trastuzumab with a potent chemotherapy agent, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan has shown significant efficacy. In clinical trials, it has demonstrated a PFS improvement of around 6 months and an OS benefit of about 8 months in advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
Rituximab (Rituxan):
Indications: Rituximab is used for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and rheumatoid arthritis.
Benefits: By targeting the CD20 protein on B-cells, Rituximab enhances immune system recognition and destruction of cancer cells. In NHL, adding Rituximab to chemotherapy has improved 5-year survival rates by 15-20%. In CLL, Rituximab has improved PFS by approximately 10 months and OS by 14 months.
Cetuximab (Erbitux):
Indications: Cetuximab is used for metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Benefits: Targeting the EGFR protein, Cetuximab inhibits cancer cell growth. In metastatic colorectal cancer, adding Cetuximab to chemotherapy has improved PFS by about 3 months and OS by 4 months. In head and neck cancer, Cetuximab combined with radiation therapy has improved 5-year survival rates by approximately 10%.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs):
Imatinib (Gleevec):
Indications: Imatinib is used for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Benefits: By inhibiting the BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase, Imatinib effectively halts cancer progression. In CML, Imatinib has transformed prognosis, with 10-year survival rates exceeding 80%. In GIST, it has improved PFS by approximately 18 months and OS by 36 months.
Osimertinib (Tagrisso):
Indications: Osimertinib is used for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations.
Benefits: Osimertinib targets EGFR mutations with high precision, improving outcomes significantly. Clinical trials have shown it can improve PFS by 18.9 months compared to 10.2 months with earlier-generation TKIs. OS improvement with Osimertinib is around 6-8 months.
Olaparib (Lynparza):
Indications: Olaparib is used for ovarian, breast, and prostate cancers with BRCA mutations.
Benefits: As a PARP inhibitor, Olaparib causes cancer cell death by exploiting DNA repair deficiencies. In BRCA-mutated ovarian cancer, Olaparib has improved PFS by 7 months and OS by 12 months. In breast cancer, PFS improvement is around 3 months.
Pazopanib (Votrient):
Indications: Pazopanib is used for advanced renal cell carcinoma and soft tissue sarcoma.
Benefits: By targeting multiple tyrosine kinases, Pazopanib inhibits tumor growth and angiogenesis. In renal cell carcinoma, it has shown a PFS improvement of around 4 months compared to placebo.
Sunitinib (Sutent):
Indications: Sunitinib is used for renal cell carcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).
Benefits: Sunitinib inhibits multiple pathways involved in tumor growth. In renal cell carcinoma, it has improved PFS by approximately 5 months and OS by 6 months. In GIST, it has improved PFS by around 6 months.
Rucaparib (Rubraca):
Indications: Rucaparib is used for ovarian cancer with BRCA mutations.
Benefits: As a PARP inhibitor, Rucaparib improves outcomes by exploiting the cancer's DNA repair weaknesses. It has shown to improve PFS by 5 months in recurrent ovarian cancer.
Combination Therapy
Combining targeted therapy with other treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy can enhance its effectiveness. For instance, the combination of Bevacizumab with Atezolizumab and chemotherapy has shown significant improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in patients with advanced cancer.
Progression-Free Survival (PFS): Studies have shown that combining Bevacizumab with Atezolizumab and chemotherapy can increase PFS by up to 6 months compared to chemotherapy alone.
Overall Survival (OS): This combination therapy has also been associated with a significant improvement in OS, extending the life expectancy of patients by several months.
Advantages and Benefits of Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy offers several advantages over conventional chemotherapy, making it a preferred option for many patients:
Higher Precision: By specifically targeting cancer cells, targeted therapy reduces damage to healthy cells, resulting in fewer side effects.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients undergoing targeted therapy often experience a better quality of life due to reduced toxicity and fewer side effects.
Better Outcomes: Clinical trials have demonstrated higher rates of PFS and OS with targeted therapies. For example, in certain types of breast cancer, targeted therapy has increased PFS rates by approximately 30% and OS rates by 20%.
Personalized Care at Aagam Cancer Centre
At Aagam Cancer Centre, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, patient-centered care. Dr. Ashish Kaushal, one of the best cancer doctors in Ahmedabad, leverages over more than two decades years of experience to offer tailored treatment plans that incorporate the latest advancements in targeted therapy. Our commitment to utilizing the best cancer treatment strategies ensures that our patients receive comprehensive and effective care.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise: Dr. Ashish Kaushal is a renowned cancer specialist with extensive experience in targeted therapy, making him one of the best medical oncologists in Ahmedabad.
Comprehensive Treatment: Our chemotherapy centre offers a range of services, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and traditional chemotherapy, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Aagam Cancer Centre is equipped with the latest technology to provide cutting-edge cancer treatments.
Choosing Aagam Cancer Centre means opting for the best cancer treatment in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Our holistic approach, combined with the expertise of Dr. Ashish Kaushal, ensures that patients receive the highest quality care tailored to their specific needs. Visit us today to learn more about the benefits of targeted therapy and how we can help you in your fight against cancer.
