Targeted Therapy for Cancer in India

Targeted Therapy for Cancer in India: A Modern Approach to Personalized Care

What is Targeted Therapy for Cancer?

Targeted therapy is an advanced cancer treatment that focuses on the genetic mutations and proteins that allow cancer cells to grow and spread. Unlike traditional treatments that affect both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy zeroes in on the cancer’s unique characteristics—offering patients a more precise and often less toxic treatment option.

Introduced in 2004, targeted therapy has transformed cancer care worldwide, and today it is increasingly available in India at leading cancer hospitals. With ongoing research and new FDA-approved drugs, the scope of targeted therapy continues to expand, offering new hope for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.

How Does Targeted Therapy Work?

Cancer begins when genetic mutations cause cells to grow uncontrollably. To identify these mutations, doctors perform a biopsy or surgery and send the tissue for molecular or biomarker testing. Once the cancer-causing mutation is identified, patients receive targeted drugs—either as pills or through an intravenous (IV) line. These drugs work by:

Blocking the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Preventing the cancer from forming new blood vessels.
Directly attacking proteins or enzymes essential for cancer survival.

Types of Targeted Therapy

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Lab-made antibodies that target specific antigens on cancer cells. Usually administered through IV.
Small-Molecule Inhibitors: Drugs small enough to enter cancer cells and block the activity of abnormal proteins. Often taken as oral tablets or capsules.

Cancers Treated with Targeted Therapy in India

Targeted therapy is FDA-approved for many cancers, including:

Breast Cancer: Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pertuzumab (Perjeta), Lapatinib (Tykerb).
Lung Cancer: Osimertinib (Tagrisso), Afatinib (Gilotrif), Bevacizumab (Avastin).
Colorectal Cancer: Cetuximab (Erbitux), Encorafenib (Braftovi).
Kidney Cancer: Sunitinib (Sutent), Sorafenib (Nexavar).
Leukemia & Lymphoma: Imatinib (Gleevec), Ibrutinib (Imbruvica), Venetoclax (Venclexta).
Ovarian Cancer: Olaparib (Lynparza), Bevacizumab (Avastin).
Prostate Cancer: Rucaparib (Rubraca), Talazoparib (Talzenna).
Many others including liver, thyroid, pancreatic, bladder, stomach, brain, and skin cancers.

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

While targeted therapy is generally more tolerable than chemotherapy, side effects can occur:

Common Side Effects:

Diarrhea
Skin rashes or acne-like eruptions
Fatigue
Liver-related issues

Serious Side Effects (less common):

High blood pressure
Heart problems
Blood clotting issues
Slow wound healing

Most side effects subside once treatment is complete or can be managed with supportive medications.

Targeted Therapy vs. Chemotherapy

Targeted Therapy: Attacks only cancer cells with specific mutations, sparing healthy cells.
Chemotherapy: Destroys all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy ones, leading to more side effects.
Advantage: Targeted therapy often has fewer side effects and can stop cancer from spreading by blocking genetic mutations.

Targeted Therapy vs. Immunotherapy

Targeted Therapy: Blocks specific genes or proteins that fuel cancer growth.
Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Combination: Sometimes doctors use both for stronger, more effective treatment.

Effectiveness of Targeted Therapy

Studies show targeted therapy can:

Double survival rates in some advanced cancers like lung cancer.
Reduce relapse rates in HER2-positive breast cancer by nearly 30%.
Delay disease progression and improve quality of life.

The success depends on the type of cancer and the patient’s genetic profile, but targeted therapy has proven life-changing for many patients.

Takeaway

Targeted therapy is revolutionizing cancer treatment in India, offering patients a personalized, effective, and often safer alternative to traditional chemotherapy. With leading Indian hospitals now offering advanced genetic testing and access to FDA-approved targeted drugs, patients from India and abroad can benefit from world-class care at a fraction of the global cost.

If you or a loved one is exploring treatment options, consult with a cancer specialist to check if targeted therapy is suitable for your case.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for targeted therapy?

Not every cancer patient is eligible. Targeted therapy is suitable only if your cancer cells have specific genetic mutations. A biopsy and molecular test are required to confirm this.

2. Is targeted therapy available in India?

Yes. Leading hospitals in India such as Apollo, Fortis, Medanta, and Tata Memorial offer targeted therapy. Many FDA-approved drugs are available in India at a lower cost compared to Western countries.

3. Is targeted therapy better than chemotherapy?

In many cases, yes. Targeted therapy usually causes fewer side effects because it attacks only cancer cells. However, its effectiveness depends on the type of cancer and genetic mutation.

4. What are the common side effects of targeted therapy?

Some patients may experience diarrhea, skin rashes, fatigue, or liver-related issues. Serious side effects are rare and can be managed by doctors.

5. How much does targeted therapy cost in India?

The cost depends on the drug type, cancer type, and treatment duration. On average, it ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 per cycle, which is more affordable in India compared to many other countries.

herapy for Cancer in India