Targeted Therapy For Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer ranks as the foremost cause of mortality from gynecologic cancers among women globally, particularly in Western countries. Although patients often undergo radical surgical procedures and exhibit significant initial responses to first-line chemotherapy, approximately 70% of them face relapses, with a median progression-free survival period ranging from 12 to 18 months.

Innovative targeted therapies are urgently needed to enhance clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer. Here on this page, we will get to understand more about why targeted therapies is necessary in the treatment of ovarian cancer. 

What is Targeted Therapy? 

Targeted therapy is a treatment approach that employs medications to pinpoint and exploit distinct characteristics of cancer cells, allowing for a focused attack on these cells. This method minimizes harm to healthy cells. Physicians may utilize targeted therapy either as an independent treatment or in conjunction with other cancer interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

How does Targeted Therapy Work in Cancer Treatment?

When alterations occur in your cells’ genes, these cells often exhibit behaviors that differ from those of healthy, normal cells. Such changes can lead to rapid division, accelerated growth, self-repair, and enhanced interaction or communication with other cells, prompting similar behaviors. This phenomenon is what characterizes a cell as “cancerous.”

However, research indicates that not all cancer cells are identical. For instance, even if you and others are diagnosed with the same type of cancer, the genetic alterations present in each individual’s cancer cells can vary significantly. These variations can produce distinct proteins or enzymes that dictate how the cancer cell replicates and proliferates within the body.

This is where targeted therapy plays a crucial role. It is specifically designed to identify and focus on particular cancer cells, enabling the treatment to take control, attack, and eliminate them.

The medications are formulated to recognize and target cells that exhibit:

• An excess of a specific type of protein on a cancer cell
• A protein that is absent in normal cells
• Mutated proteins present on the cancer cell
• Genetic alterations in the DNA composition that are not found in normal cells.

When targeted drugs reach their intended cancer cells, they perform several critical functions:

• They inhibit or deactivate chemical signals that prompt cancer cells to proliferate.
• They alter proteins within the cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
• They prevent the formation of new blood vessels that supply nutrients to the cancer cells.
• They stimulate the immune system to attack and eliminate the cancer cells.
• They deliver toxins specifically to cancer cells, sparing normal cells from harm.

Unlike chemotherapy, which primarily destroys existing cancer cells, targeted therapy drugs can also prevent the emergence of new cancer cells in the body.

Currently, this form of therapy is employed to treat various cancers, including ovarian cancer. As researchers deepen their understanding of cancer cell dynamics, additional targeted drugs may become available.

Related: Ovarian Cancer Treatment cost in India.

What are the Types of Targeted Therapy Used in the Treatment of Ovarian Cancer? 

For the treatment of ovarian cancer, certain types of targeted therapies are used depending on the stage of ovarian cancer in patients. 

• PARP Inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib, Niraparib): PARP inhibitors are medications designed to prevent cancer cells from repairing their own DNA damage, ultimately leading to the death of these cells.
• Monoclonal Antibodies (e.g., Bevacizumab): These are laboratory-made proteins that bind to specific antigens on cancer cells in the body.
• Angiogenesis Inhibitors: Inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that are essential for tumor growth.

What are the Benefits of Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy offers numerous benefits, such as:

• Precision  

This approach specifically focuses on cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue, which can reduce side effects.

• Personalization  

Targeted therapy can be customized to align with an individual patient’s cancer profile, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.

• Enhanced survival rates  

This form of therapy has the potential to increase survival rates and improve the quality of life for many individuals battling cancer.

• Combination with other treatments  

Targeted therapy can be effectively combined with other modalities, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, to enhance their effectiveness.

• Reduced side effects  

It often results in fewer side effects and minimizes damage to normal cells.

• Appropriateness for older patients  

Targeted therapy may be a viable option for elderly patients who may not tolerate chemotherapy well.

This treatment specifically targets proteins that regulate the growth, division, and spread of cancer cells. It can be administered in various forms, including tablets, capsules, intravenous (IV) infusions, or subcutaneous injections.

However, targeted therapy is not suitable for all cancer patients. Biomarker testing is essential to assess a patient’s eligibility for this treatment.

For info read Targeted Therapy Cost in India.

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy

The side effects associated with a particular medication can vary based on its type. Some frequently observed side effects include:

– fatigue

– decreased appetite

– mouth soreness

– reduced blood cell counts

– nausea.