When is Targeted Therapy Used?

• Advanced cancers with specific biomarkers or mutations.

• First-line treatment for cancers like lung, breast, and colorectal cancer when genetic testing identifies a target.

• In combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation.

• As maintenance therapy to control disease progression over time.

How Does Targeted Therapy Work?

Different drugs act on different targets:

• Block growth signals (EGFR inhibitors, HER2 inhibitors)

• Cut off blood supply (angiogenesis inhibitors like VEGF blockers)

• Deliver toxins directly to cancer cells (antibody-drug conjugates)

• Interfere with cell repair (PARP inhibitors)

Benefits of Targeted Therapy

• More precise than chemotherapy → fewer general side effects.

• Can be taken as oral medication at home (in many cases).

• Often improves survival and quality of life in advanced cancers.

• Effective in patients who previously did not respond well to chemotherapy.

Risks and Side Effects

Targeted therapy is generally better tolerated, but side effects depend on the drug and pathway targeted.
Common ones include:

• Skin rash or dryness

• High blood pressure

• Diarrhea or nausea

• Fatigue

• Changes in liver function

• Rarely, serious organ toxicity

Cost of Targeted Therapy in India

Targeted therapy drugs are often patented and imported, making them significantly costlier than standard chemotherapy. Costs depend on the drug type, dosage, and treatment duration.

Table 1: Average Cost of Targeted Therapy in India

Factors Affecting Targeted Therapy Cost

1. Type of mutation and drug prescribed – patented vs. generic availability.

2. Duration of treatment – usually long-term, sometimes lifelong in advanced cancers.

3. Combination with other treatments – when used with chemotherapy or immunotherapy, overall costs rise.

4. Hospital and city – metro private hospitals may have higher charges for drug administration and monitoring.

5. Diagnostic costs – genetic testing (NGS, biomarker assays) adds to the upfront expense.