Understanding Targeted therapies
Understanding how targeted therapies work, why they differ from chemotherapy, and how supportive care can help
Targeted therapies have transformed the treatment of many cancers over the last two decades.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, targeted therapies are designed to act on specific molecular characteristics that help cancer cells grow, survive or spread.
These treatments can often provide highly effective cancer control while affecting healthy tissues less than conventional chemotherapy. However, they can still cause side effects and may present unique challenges that can affect quality of life during treatment.
Understanding how targeted therapies work and why side effects occur can help patients feel more informed and prepared throughout their treatment journey.
What Are Targeted Therapies?
Targeted therapies are medicines designed to identify and interfere with specific biological processes that cancer cells rely upon.
Cancer develops because changes occur within a cell's DNA, altering the signals that normally regulate growth, division and survival.
Many cancers become dependent on particular molecular pathways.
Targeted therapies work by blocking these pathways, slowing or stopping cancer growth while aiming to minimise damage to healthy tissues.
Because they are designed around specific molecular targets, targeted therapies are only effective when those targets are present within the cancer.
This is why modern cancer care often includes genetic or molecular testing before treatment is selected.
How Do Targeted Therapies Work?
Different targeted therapies act in different ways.
Some block growth signals reaching cancer cells.
Others interfere with proteins involved in cell division.
Some prevent tumours from developing new blood vessels.
Others target specific genetic mutations found within cancer cells.
The exact mechanism depends on the treatment being used and the biology of the cancer.
Common Types of Targeted Therapies
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
These medicines block enzymes called tyrosine kinases, which help transmit growth signals within cancer cells.
Examples include:
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Imatinib
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Osimertinib
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Erlotinib
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Sunitinib
These treatments are commonly used in certain lung cancers, kidney cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and blood cancers.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Tumours require a blood supply to grow.
Angiogenesis inhibitors work by preventing the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumour.
Examples include:
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Bevacizumab
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Axitinib
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Sorafenib
By restricting blood supply, these treatments can slow tumour growth.
PARP Inhibitors
Some cancers have impaired DNA repair mechanisms.
PARP inhibitors exploit these weaknesses by preventing cancer cells from repairing DNA damage.
Examples include:
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Olaparib
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Niraparib
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Rucaparib
These medicines are commonly used in certain ovarian, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers.
BRAF and MEK Inhibitors
Certain cancers contain mutations affecting the BRAF pathway.
Targeted therapies may block these abnormal signals and slow cancer growth.
Examples include:
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Dabrafenib
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Trametinib
These treatments are commonly used in melanoma and some other cancers.
Which Cancers Can Be Treated With Targeted Therapies?
The suitability of immunotherapy depends on the specific characteristics of the cancer.
Targeted therapies are now used in many cancers, including:
Whether a targeted therapy is appropriate depends on the specific molecular characteristics of the cancer.
Why Do Side Effects Occur?
Although targeted therapies are designed to act more precisely than chemotherapy, the molecular targets they affect may also be present in healthy tissues.
As a result, normal biological processes can sometimes be affected.
Because different targeted therapies act on different pathways, side effects vary considerably between treatments.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
Common Side Effects of Targeted Therapies
The pattern of side effects depends on the treatment being received.
Some of the more common challenges include:
When Should You Contact Your Oncology Team?
Always follow the advice provided by your oncology team.
Contact your oncology team promptly if you experience:
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A temperature of 38°C or above
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Severe diarrhoea
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Significant skin reactions
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Persistent vomiting
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Sudden breathlessness
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Severe pain
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Rapidly worsening symptoms
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Any symptom specifically highlighted by your treatment team
Why Early Support Matters
Different targeted therapies are associated with different patterns of side effects.
Understanding the treatment pathway allows supportive care to begin before difficulties significantly affect quality of life.
Depending on the treatment being received, proactive support may focus on:
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Fatigue management
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Maintaining physical function
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Skin and nail health
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Digestive support
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Sleep optimisation
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Emotional resilience
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Education and self-management strategies
The aim is to help individuals maintain function, resilience and quality of life throughout treatment.
How Rowan Health Supports Patients
At Rowan Health, support is organised around personalised targeted therapy support protocols rather than standardised treatment packages.
Our goal is not only to support patients who develop treatment-related difficulties but, wherever possible, to anticipate challenges and introduce supportive strategies before they significantly affect quality of life.
Step 1 – Understanding the Immunotherapy Pathway
We begin by understanding:
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The cancer diagnosis
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The targeted therapy being received
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Previous treatments
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Current symptoms
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Recovery goals
Different targeted therapies are associated with different patterns of side effects and recovery needs.
Step 2 - Identifying Areas of Vulnerability
Depending on the treatment being received, we assess areas such as:
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Fatigue
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Skin and nail health
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Digestive symptoms
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Sleep disruption
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Physical function
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Emotional wellbeing
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Quality of life
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Recovery capacity
Our aim is to identify potential challenges early and support patients proactively whenever possible.
Step 3 – Building a Personalised Support Protocol
Depending on the individual's needs, the protocol may combine:
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Symptom management
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Rehabilitation
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Recovery support
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Education and self-management strategies
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Selected therapeutic interventions
The emphasis is always on selecting the right combination of support for the right person at the right time.
Step 4 - Monitoring, Adapting & Supporting Recovery
Treatment and recovery are dynamic processes.
Protocols are reviewed and adapted as treatment progresses, symptoms change and recovery priorities evolve.
Support during active treatment may differ significantly from that required during rehabilitation, return to work or long-term survivorship.
Our Goal
Our objective is not simply to respond to symptoms as they arise.
It is to provide proactive, coordinated support that helps individuals:
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Maintain function and independence
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Strengthen resilience
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Reduce the burden associated with treatment
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Improve quality of life
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Facilitate recovery and rehabilitation
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Navigate survivorship with confidence
By understanding the treatment pathway, anticipating likely challenges and adapting support over time, we aim to help patients navigate treatment and recovery as successfully as possible.
While many side effects can be medically monitored and managed by the oncology team, they may still have a significant impact on comfort, confidence, daily activities and overall quality of life.
Supportive care often focuses on helping individuals adapt to these challenges and maintain the best possible level of wellbeing throughout treatment.
Targeted Therapies – Specific Areas We Commonly Support
Understanding Treatment, Recovery and Support
Understanding cancer and its treatments can feel overwhelming. Our guides explain modern cancer treatments, common side effects, recovery and survivorship in clear, accessible language.
Managing Side Effects
➡ Why Side Effects Happen
➡ Cancer-Related Fatigue
➡ Chemo Brain
➡ Peripheral Neuropathy
➡ Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
➡ Mucositis
➡ Skin and Nail Changes During Cancer Treatment
➡ Sleep Difficulties
Recovery & Support
➡ Cancer Support & Survivorship
➡ Carers' Wellbeing
➡ Supporting Recovery After Treatment