Abstract

TARGETED THERAPIES: A LIFE SAVING APPROACH FOR CANCER

Mercy Sulochana M.*

ABSTRACT

Cancer is one of the most distressing diseases and the objective to specifically target tumor cells has been an ever daunting challenge. Moreover the side effects associated with conventional cancer therapy are excruciatingly painful and the condition of patient deteriorates with this traditional therapies. Hence there is a need for the development of a promising therapy that specifically targets the tumor cells while leaving the healthy cells intact. The scenario of cancer therapy has changed dramatically over the recent years with the advent of targeted delivery techniques. Targeted therapies, which include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, have significantly changed the treatment of cancer. The mechanisms of action and toxicities of targeted therapies differ from those of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy. Targeted therapies are generally better tolerated than traditional chemotherapy. The number of patients falling prey to this all-consuming disease is increasing at a blistering pace these days and in fact these patients are living longer which was not the case earlier. This is gathering more inquisitiveness around the contemporary cancer therapies. More profound research with great attention in this area would unquestionably be a lifesaving approach against this dreadful disease.

Keywords: Cancer, targeted therapy, monoclonal antibodies, cancer therapy.