Targeted therapies are treatments that work by interfering with specific molecules that are involved with the growth and spread of cancer. These molecules are closely associated with cancer cells.
In order to understand how targeted therapies work, it is important to understand that cancer cells are different from normal cells, because they divide and grow much faster than normal cells. These treatments work by targeting certain features of the cancer cells that help them grow in an uncontrolled manner.
Blocking the formation of new blood vessels for cancer cells
Stimulating the immune system to destroy cancer cells
Inhibit proteins on or inside cancer cells that normally stimulate cancer growth
Inhibiting or halting the cancer's cell cycle
Delivering toxic substances in order to destroy cancer cells
In secondary breast cancer, different treatments can be used to target the different subtypes of breast cancer. The following shows what targeted treatments can be used for each subtype of secondary breast cancer.
For more information on the subtypes of breast cancer, click here
There are many different treatment options for HR+/HER2+ or HR-/HER2+ metastatic breast cancer. For HER2+ breast cancer, these treatments all target cells displaying the HER2 protein receptor on their surface.
| Type of treatment | Action |
|---|---|
| Antibody-drug Conjugate | The monoclonal antibody binds to a cancer cell and the combined drug enters the cell and prevents it from growing by interrupting the cell cycle. This combination destroys the cancer cell. |
| Monoclonal Antibodies | Target (attach to) the HER2 protein receptor on cancer cells and block its function, which stops cancer cells from growing. |
| Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors | Target (attach to) a HER2 protein receptor on cancer cells, preventing a protein from binding to it. This inhibits the protein and prevents it from causing the cancer cell to grow and divide. |
The targeted treatments that are most suitable for you will depend on many factors, including whether you have received previous treatment for an earlier stage of breast cancer. Your doctor will discuss what treatment options are available to you.
Antibody drug conjugates are given intravenously at the hospital, this means they are delivered directly into a vein. Monoclonal antibodies are usually given intravenously at the hospital as well. They can also be given as an injection under the skin.
Both of these treatments are given in cycles. The number of cycles you receive, and the length of time in between cycles, will vary dependant on the type of treatment. Your doctor will discuss this with you.
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors are taken orally as a tablet or capsule. These treatments are given continuously (e.g. you will take a tablet every day). Your doctor will discuss with you how your treatment should be taken and the length of time you may be on the treatment for.
Some targeted therapies are given in combination with another treatment such as hormone therapy (if your cancer is HR+) or chemotherapy. Your doctor will discuss what combination of treatments might be suitable for you.
Targeted therapies can cause side effects. These will vary from person to person and will depend on the specific treatment. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of the treatments and what may be the best option for you.
Targeted therapies can cause side effects. These will vary from person to person and will depend on the specific treatment. Talk to your doctor about the potential side effects of the treatments and what may be the best option for you.
PP-UNP-IRL-0796. Date of preparation: July 2024