How Targeted Therapies Differ from Chemo

As discussed earlier in this site, chemotherapy has an effect on all fast-growing cells. This includes not only cancerous cells, but also many types of healthy cells, and this is why chemotherapy ChemotherapyType of cancer treatment that prevents fast-growing cells (like cancer cells) from dividing or causes cancer cells to die. May also damage fast-growing normal cells.Closecan cause many side effects. On the other hand, molecular targeted therapies Molecular targeted therapiesNewer cancer treatments that are designed to work by targeting specific parts of cancer cells to slow or stop the growth of cancer.Closeminimize effects on healthy cells because they are designed to specifically target cancer cells.

Molecular targeted therapies minimize effects on healthy cells because they are designed to specifically target cancer cells.

Of course, molecular targeted therapies can cause side effects, but these are generally more moderate than those caused by other types of treatments. Common side effects may include diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, and weakness. While rare, serious side effects may occur, including severe allergic reactions, inflammation or scarring in the lungs, bleeding inside the body, irregular heartbeat, heart failure, blood clots, and dangerously low blood pressure. These are serious side effects, and if you think you are experiencing any of these side effects, seek medical help immediately.