Targeted therapy for cancer

Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your surgery and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you.

Targeted therapy is not an effective treatment for all types of cancer because some cancers do not have molecular targets. You may need to have your cancer tissue tested before you start treatment to see whether your type of cancer can be treated with targeted therapy.

Some cancers that targeted therapy may be used to treat include some types of:

• Breast cancers
• Blood cancers 
• Cancers of the digestive system including colon, pancreatic and stomach cancer 
• Lung cancers 
• Brain cancers 
• Prostate cancer
• Cancers affecting the bone and soft tissue
• Skin cancers 
• Head and neck cancers 
• Cancers of the reproductive system including cervical and endometrial cancer 
• Thyroid cancers 
• Urinary system cancers including bladder cancer and kidney cancer

Monoclonal antibodies

Receptors are present on the surface of all cells and allow cells to send or receive signals telling them how to behave. Most monoclonal antibodies target and connect to receptors that are mainly found on cancer cells. There are several types of monoclonal antibody therapies that work in different ways including:

• Angiogenesis inhibitors: Block the chemical signals that make blood vessels grow, cutting off the tumour’s blood supply which may slow its growth or cause it to shrink.
• Cancer growth inhibitors: Block the signals that tell a cancer cell to grow and divide which may slow the growth of the cancer.
• Checkpoint inhibitors: Block signals that stop your immune system from attacking cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy: Helps your immune system recognise cancer cells

 Monoclonal antibodies may also:

• Deliver chemotherapy or radiotherapy straight to the cancer cell.

Small-molecule drugs

Small molecule drugs are small enough to enter cells due to their low molecular weight. Once inside the cancer cells, they can affect other molecules which may cause the cancer cells to die.

PARP inhibitors

PARP (poly-ADP ribose polymerase) is a protein that helps damaged cells to repair themselves. PARP inhibitors block PARP proteins and prevent them from working which may cause cancer cells to become damaged and die.

During your appointment, your consultant will ask you about your symptoms, diagnosis, medical history and general health. They may ask to see the results of any tests or scans you have had previously, or they may arrange them on the day. The type of tests will depend on the type of cancer you have, but may include blood tests, or imaging scans such as an X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound or MRI.

At your first appointment, your consultant will spend time getting to know you, discuss your expectations for treatment and encourage you to ask any questions you may have. At Circle Health Group, we want you to be as well-informed and comfortable as possible during your time with us, so please discuss any questions or concerns with your consultant during your appointment.

How is targeted therapy given?

How your targeted therapy is given depends on the type of treatment you are receiving:

• Small-molecule drugs are given as pills or capsules that you swallow
• Monoclonal antibodies are usually given intravenously (into a vein)

Where will I have my targeted therapy?

Depending on the type of targeted therapy you are having, you may have your treatment at home, or as an outpatient in hospital.

How long will I need to have targeted therapy treatment? 

How long you need to have targeted therapy depends on the type of treatment you are having, the type and stage of your cancer, and how you respond to treatment. You may need to have treatment daily, weekly, monthly, or less frequently. Some targeted therapy is given in cycles, where you have a period of treatment followed by a period of rest to allow your body to recover and build new, healthy cells.

During your targeted therapy, you’ll need to attend the hospital for regular checkups to see how you are responding to treatment. This may involve having tests such as blood tests, X-rays, CT scans or other imaging scans to assess how well your treatment is working. Your consultant will also ask you about any side effects you may be experiencing and prescribe medication or give advice on how to manage these.

Recovering from targeted therapy varies from person to person and depends on factors such as your age, diagnosis, general health, the type of targeted therapy, and whether you experience side effects.

To help your recovery go as smoothly as possible:

• Tell your consultant about any side effects you experience during your targeted therapy treatment. They can provide advice and support on coping with side effects or prescribe medications to help you manage them
• Get plenty of rest to help manage fatigue and boost your recovery
• Stay hydrated by making sure you drink plenty of fluids (particularly water)
• Follow a healthy, nutritious diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein
• Take regular light exercise such as walking, gentle cycling or swimming
• Seek emotional and mental health support from family, friends, support groups or a mental health professional to help cope with the emotional demands of cancer treatment 
• Manage stress by practising relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation 
• Attend all your follow-up appointments so that your consultant can monitor your progress and deal with any issues that arise

Like all medications, targeted therapy can cause side effects in some people. Side effects vary from person to person and depend on the type of medication you are given.

Your consultant will explain all the potential side effects of your targeted therapy before you start your treatment and answer any questions you may have.

Most side effects of targeted therapy are temporary and improve over time or once your treatment is finished. In some cases, side effects may last longer and need ongoing management.

Possible side effects of targeted therapy include:

• Allergic reaction to the targeted therapy drugs 
• Skin problems: Include increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), rash, dry, red, or itchy skin, hand-foot syndrome (pain, tenderness, and blisters on the palms of your hands and the soles of your feet), red, sore cuticles (the base of your nails)
• Diarrhoea 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Mouth sores 
• Fatigue 
• Muscle and joint pain 
• Facial swelling 
• Changes in hair growth: Including hair loss and excessive hair growth
• High blood pressure 
• Heart damage 
• Bleeding or clotting problems 
• Increased risk of infections 
• Slow wound healing

• Flexible appointment times and locations that are convenient for you
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private ensuite rooms as standard
• A range of delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to see a consultant or learn more about targeted therapy for cancer, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly on 0808 189 5499.

Targeted therapy - Macmillan Cancer Support

What are targeted cancer drugs? - Cancer Research UK