Cancer treatment revolves around a combination of modalities tailored according to the cancer type, stage, and location. There’s no “one size fits all” treatment plan in cancer treatment approach, rather it depends on an individual’s case.  Medical breakthroughs in cancer research have led to innovating ways of cancer treatment. Although targeted therapy has emerged as a newer class of care based on precision medicine, traditional treatment of chemotherapy still remains as the cornerstone of cancer care. In this blog, we have tried to differentiate between these two forms of cancer treatment.

What is Targeted Therapy?

This method of treatment makes use of drugs or other substances which help in precisely identifying and attacking cancer cells that are formed as a result of genetic mutation (changes) in healthy cells. The drugs used in targeted therapy interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. This method proves to be more beneficial than traditional chemotherapy as it does not hinder healthy cells from growing.

Targeted therapy works in a more selective manner, interfering with specific molecules or genes that aid cancer growth. This selective approach includes blocking receptors on cancer cells or disrupting internal cell functions. As a result of this, healthy surrounding tissues suffer minimal damage.

What is Chemotherapy?

Cancer cells are destroyed or inhibited with chemotherapy, using powerful oral drugs or intravenously through a needle into a vein. Cytotoxic chemotherapy is considered as the baseline in treating various cancers. The downside of this treatment is that it affects both cancerous and healthy, rapidly dividing cells, leading to numerous side effects.

To mitigate its ill effects, chemotherapy is often administered in treatment cycles, followed by periods of rest to allow the patient’s body to recover. Despite having numerous side effects post treatment, chemotherapy remains highly effective in treating many cancers, especially those that grow or divide rapidly.

Key differences between Targeted Therapy and Chemotherapy

1. Mechanism of working
•Targeted Therapy: Targets specific cancer-related molecules
•Chemotherapy: Kills rapidly dividing cells

2. Precision
•Targeted Therapy: Is more precise and selective
•Chemotherapy: Has a broader spectrum of action

3. Impact on healthy cells
•Targeted Therapy: Has lower but variable impact on healthy cells
•Chemotherapy: Has a higher impact on healthy cells

4. Need for Biomarker testing
•Targeted Therapy: Often required
•Chemotherapy: No biomarker testing required

5. Mode of administration
•Targeted Therapy: Oral or IV
•Chemotherapy: Oral, IV, or injection

6. Side Effects
•Targeted Therapy: Has fewer systemic side effects (e.g. skin rash, high BP, liver changes, etc.
•Chemotherapy: Has often more widespread side effects

Which treatment is more effective?

Targeted therapy is most commonly used to treat breast cancer, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. It might also be considered to treat colorectal cancer, melanoma, and leukemia. Effectiveness of one treatment over the other depends on certain factors:

• Cancer type
• Stage of cancer
• Biomarker status
• Overall patient health
• Treatment goals

Both targeted therapy and chemotherapy play vital roles in modern cancer treatment. Both work differently and are used in different clinical situations. However, chemotherapy when combined with targeted therapy as an adjuvant treatment, gives better results. The decision to choose one or a combination of cancer treatments lies with your oncology specialist, who takes a call based on few tests and careful preliminary evaluation. With the right treatment and approach, fighting against cancer is no longer a dream!