Targeted Therapy Cost in Malaysia

Targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that focuses on specific genes and proteins responsible for the growth and survival of cancer cells. By targeting these specific factors, targeted therapy can alter the tissue environment in which cancer cells thrive, either by creating an inhospitable environment or by inhibiting the growth of cells that support cancer development, such as blood vessel cells.

Over the years, targeted therapy has proven effective in treating various types of cancer and has received approval for more than 15 different cancer types, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, and lung cancer. It is often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, to enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment approach.

Targeted Therapy Mechanism of Action

There are various forms of cancer, with each variant exhibiting distinct genetic alterations that play a role in its progression and dissemination. Consequently, a multitude of targeted therapies have been devised to specifically address the diverse types of cancer. They mainly work through the following mechanisms.

• It disrupts the functioning of proteins present on the surface of cancer cells, thereby impeding the growth of these cells.
• It hinders the signaling process that promotes the formation of new blood vessels, thereby disrupting the blood supply to cancer cells.
• It has the ability to bind to specific targets on the surface of cancer cells, allowing the entry of cell-killing substances into the cells, ultimately leading to their demise.
• It induces the process of cell death in cancer cells.
• In the case of breast and prostate cancers, it can inhibit the production of specific hormones by the body or prevent the uptake of hormones by cancer cells, which are necessary for the growth of these cancers.

Types of Targeted Therapy For Cancer

After identifying specific alterations in your cancer genes and proteins, your oncologist will engage in a discussion with you regarding the most effective treatment approaches. Additionally, you will be provided with guidance on understanding the tolerability of the treatment and estimate the cost of the prescribed drugs. Different types of targeted therapy for cancer include:-

• Monoclonal antibodies such as:

EGFR inhibitors – Certain types of cancer overproduce a protein known as EGFR. The function of EGFR inhibitors is to bind to the terminal part of EGFR, which is a receptor on the surface of cells, in order to impede the activity of EGF.

HER-2 Inhibitors and conjugates – 20-25% of breast cancer are due to overexpression of HER-2 protein. HER-2 inhibitors work by blocking the attachment of HER-2 to its receptors.

• Small molecules such as:

Kinase inhibitors – Kinases play a crucial role in transmitting growth signals within cancer cells. The mechanism of kinase inhibitors involves blocking the activity of receptor tyrosine kinases.

mTOR inhibitors – mTOR, a protein kinase present within cells, can play a role in promoting the growth of cancer cells. The activity of mTOR can be hindered by the introduction of mTOR inhibitors into the cells.

Parp inhibitors – PARP protein plays a crucial role in the repair of damaged DNA within cancer cells. The mechanism of action of PARP inhibitors involves the inhibition of PARP proteins, thereby preventing the repair of DNA in cancer cells.

• Others such as

VEGF inhibitors – Cancer cells secrete VEGF in order to facilitate the formation of fresh blood vessels for their growth. VEGF inhibitors bind to VEGF, preventing it from binding to the VEGF receptor on cancer cells, thereby halting their proliferation.

• Hormonal therapies – Hormonal treatments aim to deprive cancer cells of the hormones necessary for their growth. For instance, specific hormones are essential for the development and spread of prostate and breast cancers. As a targeted therapy, hormonal treatments can either inhibit the body’s production of these crucial hormones or hinder their functionality.
• Signal transduction inhibitors -These inhibitors hinder the transmission of signals that stimulate the rapid division and spread of cancer cells. By disrupting the communication system within cancer cells, this treatment effectively prevents their multiplication and dissemination.
• Gene expression modulators – This specific therapy modifies the proteins responsible for regulating gene expression in cancer cells.
• Apoptosis inducers – Ordinarily, cells undergo programmed cell death when they become old or damaged, as they are no longer needed by the body. However, cancer cells evade this natural process and continue to survive. Apoptosis inducers can compel cancer cells to undergo cell death.
• Angiogenesis inhibitors– For growth and development, cells rely on a continuous supply of blood flow, and cancer cells are no exception. Angiogenesis inhibitors deprive cancerous tumors of the necessary blood supply, impeding their growth. By cutting off the blood flow, these inhibitors keep the tumors small or cause them to shrink.
• Immunotherapies – This targeted therapy approach employs substances that are either naturally produced by the body or synthesized in a laboratory to enhance the immune system. By aiding the body in identifying and eliminating cancer cells, immunotherapies effectively combat the disease.

Targeted Therapy Side Effects

Although targeted therapy is effective in eradicating cancer cells, it can also lead to various side effects that individuals may experience. These include:

• Diarrhea
• Cardiotoxicity
• Elevated liver enzymes
• High blood pressure
• Interstitial lung disease
• Heart rhythm changes
• Skin rashes
• Problems with wound healing and blood clotting
• Neurologic changes
• Fatigue
• Baldness or loss of hair color
• Dry skin
• Mouth sores
• Red, swollen eyelids.

Targeted Therapy Cost In Malaysia

Targeted therapy cost in Malaysia typically ranges from $2,500 to $11,000. The actual expense is influenced by many factors and it can widely vary depending on the city as well. The general cost in different cities of Malaysia is mentioned below.

Note: Please be aware that the targeted therapy cost in Malaysia listed above are only an indication of what the treatment will cost initially and may change depending on a number of variables. 

Factors Affecting Targeted Therapy Cost in Malaysia

Targeted therapy cost in Malaysia might differ among individuals as it is influenced by many variables. These include:

• The location and type of the hospital.
• The cancer type.
• The severity of the patient’s condition.
• Experience and expertise of the doctor.
• Insurance coverage.
• Treatment duration.
• Geographical location.

Even after accounting to all the factors, Targeted therapy cost in Malaysia have a more resonable prices to countries like the US, Russia etc. 

How Can Medsurge India Help?

Medsurge India is a renowned institution catering to the needs of patients in search of skilled physicians, top-notch medical facilities, and specialized healthcare. Our dedicated team will offer you a comprehensive roster of accredited, reputable doctors and hospitals based on your specific medical requirements. Moreover, we are committed to providing you with a cost-effective treatment plan that suits your budget. Additionally, we extend our assistance to patients in various other areas, including obtaining medical visas and travel authorization.