My Reports
RGCIRC, Niti Bagh
Targeted Therapy for Cancer
Cancer treatment has changed significantly over the past two decades. Alongside surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, targeted therapy has become an important part of modern cancer care for many patients. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy works by acting on specific molecular changes, signals, or proteins that help cancer cells grow, divide, and survive.
At RGCIRC (Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre), targeted therapy is delivered as part of a comprehensive precision oncology approach. Treatment decisions are guided by the patient’s cancer type, stage, biopsy findings, biomarker status, molecular test results, previous treatments, and overall health. RGCIRC’s NABL-accredited molecular laboratory supports advanced testing platforms, including real-time PCR, FISH, Pyrosequencing, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, tumour mutation burden testing, and liquid biopsy where clinically indicated.
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to act on specific molecules, proteins, or pathways that help cancer cells grow and survive. Instead of affecting all rapidly dividing cells, as chemotherapy often does, targeted therapy focuses on particular changes that are driving the cancer.
Many cancers grow because of genetic or molecular changes inside the cells. These changes may send constant growth signals, prevent abnormal cells from dying, or help the tumour develop its own blood supply. Targeted therapy works by blocking these signals or interfering with the processes that cancer cells depend on.
The main difference between chemotherapy and targeted therapy is how they act. Chemotherapy can affect both cancer cells and healthy fast-growing cells, which is why side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and low blood counts may occur. Targeted therapy is designed to act more selectively on cancer-related targets. This may lead to a different and, in some cases, more manageable side effect profile.
However, targeted therapy is not suitable for every patient or every cancer. It is used only when the tumour has a specific biomarker or molecular target that the drug is designed to act on. This is why biomarker testing, molecular testing, or liquid biopsy may be advised before starting targeted treatment.
How Does Targeted Therapy Work?
Targeted therapy works by focusing on specific changes inside cancer cells. These changes may be in genes, proteins, receptors, or signalling pathways that help the cancer grow, divide, survive, or spread.
Before targeted therapy is advised, doctors usually look for these changes through biomarker testing, molecular testing, immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing, or liquid biopsy. Once the target is identified, a suitable drug or therapy may be selected.
Targeted therapy can work in different ways, depending on the cancer type and the target involved.
Blocking Growth Signals
Cancer cells often grow because certain signals inside them remain switched on. These signals may involve genes or proteins such as EGFR, HER2, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, or others.
Targeted drugs can block these abnormal signals either on the surface of the cancer cell or inside the cell. When the signal is blocked, the cancer cell may stop growing or dividing.
Blocking Blood Supply to the Tumour
Tumours need blood vessels to receive oxygen and nutrients. Some cancers send signals that help create new blood vessels around them, a process called angiogenesis.
Certain targeted therapies block these blood vessel-forming signals, such as the VEGF pathway. This can reduce the tumour’s blood supply and slow its growth.
Helping Cancer Cells Die
Normal cells have a natural process of dying when they become damaged or abnormal. This process is called apoptosis. Cancer cells often find ways to avoid it.
Some targeted therapies interfere with the survival signals that cancer cells depend on. This may help restore the cell-death process in selected cancers.
Delivering Treatment More Precisely
Some newer treatments are designed to carry anti-cancer medicines directly to cancer cells. Antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, are one example.
An ADC combines a targeted antibody with a cancer-killing drug. The antibody attaches to a specific protein on the cancer cell and delivers the drug closer to the tumour cell, helping limit exposure to some healthy tissues.
Using Targeted Cellular Therapy
Some advanced therapies use the patient’s own immune cells to recognise cancer more precisely. CAR-T cell therapy is one such treatment.
In CAR-T therapy, a patient’s T-cells are collected and modified in a laboratory so they can recognise a specific marker on cancer cells. These modified cells are then given back to the patient, where they can identify and attack cancer cells carrying that marker.
At RGCIRC, CAR-T cell therapy is part of advanced haemato-oncology care for eligible patients. Its use depends on the cancer type, disease status, previous treatments, and clinical suitability.
Types of Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy includes different classes of medicines, each designed to act on a specific cancer-related target. The type of targeted therapy recommended depends on the cancer type, biomarker results, molecular profile, stage of disease, previous treatments, and the patient’s overall health.
Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins designed to attach to specific targets on cancer cells or on substances that help cancer grow.
Once attached, they may block growth signals, help the immune system recognise cancer cells, or deliver treatment more directly to the cancer cell. Examples include trastuzumab for HER2-positive cancers, bevacizumab for VEGF-related pathways, and rituximab for certain B-cell lymphomas.
Small Molecule Inhibitors
Small molecule inhibitors are usually oral medicines that enter cancer cells and block specific enzymes or signalling proteins involved in cancer growth.
A major group within this category is tyrosine kinase inhibitors, or TKIs. These medicines may be used in cancers with specific mutations or alterations, such as EGFR-mutant lung cancer, ALK-rearranged lung cancer, BCR-ABL-positive chronic myeloid leukaemia, GIST, melanoma, and other selected cancers.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Angiogenesis inhibitors work by blocking the formation of new blood vessels that tumours need to grow. Many of these treatments target the VEGF pathway, which plays an important role in tumour blood vessel formation.
These medicines may be used in selected cancers such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, liver cancer, and others, depending on the treatment plan.
CDK4/6 Inhibitors
CDK4/6 inhibitors block proteins that help cancer cells move through the cell cycle and divide.
These medicines are commonly used with hormone therapy in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Examples include palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib.
PARP Inhibitors
PARP inhibitors target cancer cells that have problems repairing damaged DNA, especially cancers with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
By blocking another DNA repair pathway, these medicines make it harder for cancer cells to survive. PARP inhibitors may be used in selected ovarian, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancers, depending on mutation status and clinical suitability.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates
Antibody-drug conjugates, or ADCs, combine a targeted antibody with an anti-cancer drug. The antibody attaches to a specific marker on the cancer cell and helps deliver the drug closer to the tumour cell.
This approach is used in selected cancers where the target marker is present. Examples include HER2-targeted ADCs used in certain breast and gastric cancers, and Trop-2-targeted ADCs used in selected breast cancers.
CAR-T Cell Therapy
CAR-T cell therapy is an advanced form of targeted cellular therapy. In this treatment, a patient’s own T-cells are collected, modified in a laboratory to recognise a specific cancer marker, and then given back to the patient.
These modified cells can then identify and attack cancer cells carrying that marker. CAR-T therapy is mainly used in selected blood cancers, such as certain relapsed or refractory leukaemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma.
At RGCIRC, CAR-T cell therapy is part of advanced haemato-oncology care for eligible patients. Suitability depends on the cancer type, disease status, previous treatments, and overall clinical condition.
What Cancers are Treated with Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy may be used for many cancer types, but it is not suitable for every patient. The decision depends on the cancer type, stage, biomarker status, molecular profile, previous treatment history, and overall health.
At RGCIRC, targeted therapy is planned after detailed clinical evaluation and, where required, biomarker or molecular testing. The following are some cancers where targeted treatments may be considered.
Breast Cancer
Targeted therapy plays an important role in selected breast cancers. In HER2-positive breast cancer, HER2-directed medicines may be used. In hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer, CDK4/6 inhibitors may be combined with hormone therapy. Patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may be considered for PARP inhibitors, depending on the stage and treatment setting.
For some advanced or difficult-to-treat breast cancers, newer targeted options such as antibody-drug conjugates may also be considered when the relevant marker is present.
Lung Cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the cancers where molecular testing is especially important. Some lung cancers carry mutations or gene changes such as EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, MET, or KRAS G12C.
When these changes are found, targeted medicines may be used to block the specific pathway driving cancer growth. This is why molecular testing is often advised before finalising treatment for advanced lung cancer.
Colorectal Cancer
In colorectal cancer, targeted therapy may be selected based on markers such as RAS, BRAF, HER2, MSI, and others. For example, patients with RAS wild-type colorectal cancer may be considered for anti-EGFR therapy in selected settings. Anti-VEGF therapy may also be used as part of treatment planning.
Some colorectal cancers with specific molecular features may benefit from immunotherapy or other biomarker-guided treatments.
Blood Cancers
Targeted therapy has changed the treatment of several blood cancers. In chronic myeloid leukaemia, BCR-ABL inhibitors such as imatinib and newer-generation medicines are commonly used. In some B-cell lymphomas, anti-CD20 antibodies may be part of treatment.
For selected relapsed or refractory blood cancers, advanced cellular therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy may also be considered. At RGCIRC, CAR-T cell therapy is part of advanced haemato-oncology care for eligible patients.
Prostate Cancer
In advanced prostate cancer, targeted or biomarker-guided medicines may be considered in selected patients. For example, patients with BRCA mutations or other DNA repair gene alterations may be eligible for PARP inhibitors.
Androgen receptor pathway inhibitors may also be used in metastatic or castration-resistant prostate cancer, depending on the patient’s disease status and previous treatment history.
Ovarian Cancer
In ovarian cancer, PARP inhibitors may be used in selected patients, especially those with BRCA mutations or certain DNA repair pathway changes. These medicines are often considered as maintenance therapy after response to platinum-based chemotherapy.
Anti-angiogenic therapy may also be used in some patients with advanced ovarian cancer as part of a broader treatment plan.
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours, or GISTs, are one of the clearest examples of targeted therapy in cancer care. Many GISTs are driven by mutations in genes such as KIT or PDGFRA.
Medicines such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors may be used to block these targets. The choice of drug depends on the mutation type, disease stage, and response to previous treatment.
Kidney Cancer
In renal cell carcinoma, targeted therapy may be used in advanced or metastatic disease. These medicines may target pathways involved in blood vessel formation, tumour growth, or cell survival.
Examples include VEGF-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors. In many cases, targeted therapy may also be combined or sequenced with immunotherapy depending on the patient’s disease profile and treatment goals.
Targeted Therapy vs Chemotherapy
Targeted therapy and chemotherapy are both important cancer treatments, but they work in different ways. Chemotherapy mainly acts on rapidly dividing cells, while targeted therapy focuses on specific molecular changes or pathways that help cancer cells grow and survive.
The choice between the two depends on the cancer type, stage, molecular profile, treatment goals, previous treatments, and the patient’s overall health. In many cases, targeted therapy and chemotherapy may also be used together.
|
Feature |
Targeted Therapy |
Chemotherapy |
|
How it works |
Blocks specific cancer-related targets, such as mutations, proteins, or growth pathways |
Kills rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells and some healthy cells |
|
Treatment selection |
Usually requires biomarker or molecular testing |
Usually selected based on cancer type, stage, and treatment protocol |
|
Specificity |
More selective, as it acts on identified cancer-related targets |
Less selective, as it can affect healthy fast-growing cells too |
|
Who can receive it |
Suitable only when the relevant target or biomarker is present |
May be used across many cancer types, depending on the treatment plan |
|
How it is given |
Oral tablets, capsules, injections, or intravenous infusion |
Commonly given by intravenous infusion, but some are oral or given through other routes |
|
Side effects |
Side effects depend on the drug and target; may include skin rash, diarrhoea, liver changes, blood pressure changes, or organ-specific effects |
Side effects may include nausea, hair loss, fatigue, low blood counts, mouth ulcers, infection risk, and appetite changes |
|
Duration of response |
Can produce strong responses in molecularly matched patients, though resistance may develop over time |
Can be effective in many cancers, but response depends on cancer type, stage, and treatment sensitivity |
|
Combination use |
May be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or radiation therapy |
May be combined with surgery, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or hormone therapy |
|
Role of testing |
Biomarker or molecular testing is often essential before treatment |
Molecular testing may not always be required, but other blood tests, imaging, and clinical assessments are needed |
Who is Eligible for Targeted Therapy?
Eligibility for targeted therapy depends on the molecular profile of the tumour. This means the decision is not based only on the cancer type or stage, but also on whether the tumour has a specific biomarker, mutation, gene fusion, or protein expression that can be targeted with an available medicine.
At RGCIRC, suitability for targeted therapy is assessed through molecular testing, clinical evaluation, and multidisciplinary treatment planning.
Molecular Testing is the Starting Point
Before targeted therapy is recommended, doctors may advise testing on biopsy tissue or, in selected cases, a blood sample through liquid biopsy. These tests help identify whether the cancer has an actionable target that can guide treatment.
RGCIRC’s NABL-accredited molecular laboratory supports advanced biomarker and molecular testing, including immunohistochemistry, FISH, PCR, next-generation sequencing, tumour mutation burden testing, and liquid biopsy where clinically indicated.
These tests may help detect markers such as HER2, EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS, BRAF, RET, MET, BRCA, MSI, PD-L1, and others, depending on the cancer type.
Multidisciplinary Tumour Board Review
Once test results are available, the treatment plan is reviewed by the relevant multidisciplinary team. This may include medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists], pathologists, molecular specialists, radiologists, and other experts as needed.
This team-based review helps ensure that targeted therapy is recommended only when it matches the patient’s tumour profile, cancer stage, previous treatment history, overall health, and treatment goals.
Patients Who May Be Suitable for Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy may be considered for:
- Patients whose tumour has a confirmed actionable biomarker or molecular alteration
- Patients with advanced or metastatic cancer where a matched targeted drug is available
- Patients whose cancer has progressed after earlier treatment and needs repeat molecular testing
- Patients who develop resistance mutations that may respond to another targeted medicine
- Selected early-stage cancer patients where targeted therapy may be used after primary treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence
Targeted therapy is not suitable for every patient. The final decision depends on whether the right target is present and whether the treatment is appropriate for the patient’s overall clinical condition.
What to Expect: Before, During, and After Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is planned carefully based on the patient’s cancer type, molecular test results, overall health, and treatment goals. The process usually includes testing before treatment, regular monitoring during treatment, and follow-up to assess response.
Before Treatment
Before targeted therapy is started, the tumour is tested to confirm whether a specific actionable mutation, biomarker, gene fusion, or protein expression is present. This may be done on biopsy tissue or, in selected cases, through liquid biopsy using a blood sample.
The care team may also advise baseline tests such as complete blood count, kidney function tests, liver function tests, and cardiac evaluation for medicines that may affect the heart. Imaging may also be done before treatment to create a reference point for measuring response later.
During Treatment
Targeted therapy may be given as oral tablets or capsules taken at home, or as intravenous infusions given in the medical oncology daycare facility. The schedule depends on the drug, cancer type, and treatment plan.
For example, some targeted medicines are taken daily, while some monoclonal antibodies are given as infusions every few weeks. CAR-T cell therapy follows a different process and may involve cell collection, laboratory modification, conditioning chemotherapy, and infusion for eligible patients.
During treatment, patients are monitored regularly through clinical review, blood tests, and imaging at planned intervals. These checks help the team assess treatment response, watch for side effects, and adjust the plan if needed.
After Treatment
Some targeted therapies are continued for as long as they are effective and well tolerated. In other cases, they may be given for a fixed duration, depending on the cancer type and treatment setting.
Treatment may be changed if the cancer progresses, side effects become difficult to manage, or new resistance changes are identified. In some patients, repeat molecular testing may be advised when the disease progresses to look for new mutations or targets that could guide the next line of treatment.
After treatment is completed, paused, or changed, structured follow-up continues with clinical review, imaging, blood tests, and supportive care as needed.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies act on specific cancer-related pathways, so their side effects are often different from those seen with conventional chemotherapy. The type and severity of side effects depend on the drug, the target being treated, the treatment duration, and the patient’s overall health.
At RGCIRC, patients receiving targeted therapy are monitored regularly so that side effects can be identified early and managed appropriately.
Skin and Nail Changes
Some targeted therapies, especially EGFR inhibitors, may cause skin and nail-related side effects. These can include acne-like rash, dry skin, itching, nail inflammation, or soreness around the nails.
These side effects are usually manageable with skincare guidance, medicines, dose adjustment, or temporary treatment interruption when needed. Patients should report skin changes early rather than waiting for them to worsen.
Heart and Blood Pressure Effects
Certain targeted therapies may affect blood pressure or heart function. For example, some HER2-targeted medicines and VEGF inhibitors may require heart monitoring before and during treatment.
Patients may be advised to undergo blood pressure checks, ECG, echocardiogram, or other cardiac tests depending on the medicine being used and their existing heart health.
Liver Function Changes
Some targeted medicines can affect liver function and may cause changes in liver enzyme levels. This is why regular liver function tests are often advised during treatment.
If liver changes are detected, the oncology team may adjust the dose, pause treatment temporarily, or provide supportive care based on the severity.
Digestive Side Effects
Diarrhoea, nausea, reduced appetite, acidity, or abdominal discomfort may occur with some targeted therapies, especially oral targeted medicines.
These symptoms are usually managed with diet advice, hydration, medicines, and treatment adjustments when required. Patients should inform the care team if diarrhoea is persistent, severe, or associated with weakness or dehydration.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a common side effect during cancer treatment, including targeted therapy. It may be related to the medicine, cancer itself, anaemia, sleep disturbance, nutritional issues, or emotional stress.
The care team may assess the cause and suggest supportive measures such as rest planning, nutrition support, activity modification, or treatment adjustment if needed.
Immune-Related Effects in Cellular Therapies
Advanced treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy and some bispecific antibodies can cause immune-related side effects. One important risk is cytokine release syndrome, or CRS, which may cause fever, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, or other systemic symptoms.
These treatments require specialised monitoring and timely management by an experienced oncology and cellular therapy team. At RGCIRC, CAR-T cell therapy is offered as part of advanced haemato-oncology care for eligible patients.
Resistance to Targeted Therapy
In some cancers, targeted therapy may work well for a period of time and then become less effective. This can happen because cancer cells develop new mutations or find alternate pathways to grow.
When this happens, repeat molecular testing or liquid biopsy may be advised to look for resistance mutations. The results can help the oncology team decide whether another targeted medicine, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or a different treatment approach may be suitable.
Targeted Therapy at RGCIRC
At RGCIRC, targeted therapy is offered as part of a comprehensive precision oncology programme, where treatment is guided by the biology of each patient’s cancer. The aim is to identify the molecular changes driving the tumour and match them with the most appropriate targeted treatment wherever clinically suitable.
Molecular Testing to Guide Treatment
Targeted therapy begins with accurate molecular diagnosis. RGCIRC’s NABL-accredited molecular laboratory supports advanced biomarker and genomic testing, including real-time PCR, FISH, Pyrosequencing, Sanger sequencing, next-generation sequencing, and liquid biopsy where indicated.
These tests help identify actionable mutations, gene fusions, amplifications, protein expressions, and resistance markers that may guide the choice of targeted drugs. This allows the oncology team to move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and plan treatment based on the tumour’s specific profile.
Precision Oncology Across Cancer Types
Targeted therapy may be considered for several cancers, including lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumours, lymphomas, leukaemias, and other selected cancers.
The decision depends on the cancer type, stage, biomarker results, previous treatment history, and the patient’s overall health. Where suitable, targeted therapy may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, or hormone therapy.
Advanced Cellular Therapy for Eligible Patients
For selected blood cancers, RGCIRC also offers CAR-T cell therapy as part of its advanced haemato-oncology and bone marrow transplant services. This treatment uses a patient’s own immune cells, which are modified to recognise and attack cancer cells carrying a specific marker.
CAR-T cell therapy is considered only for eligible patients after detailed evaluation by the haemato-oncology team.
Daycare-Based Treatment and Monitoring
Many targeted medicines are taken orally at home, while others are given as intravenous infusions. Infusion-based targeted therapies at RGCIRC are administered through medical oncology daycare services, allowing eligible patients to receive treatment under supervision and return home the same day when appropriate.
Patients are monitored regularly through clinical review, blood tests, imaging, and side-effect assessment so that treatment response and safety can be managed throughout the course of therapy.
Multidisciplinary Treatment Planning
Every targeted therapy plan is reviewed in the context of the patient’s complete diagnosis. Molecular results are assessed along with imaging findings, pathology reports, cancer stage, previous treatments, performance status, and treatment goals.
This multidisciplinary approach helps ensure that targeted therapy is used at the right time, for the right patient, and as part of a complete cancer treatment strategy.
Book a Consultation at RGCIRC
If you have been diagnosed with cancer and want to know whether targeted therapy may be suitable for your condition, you can consult the Medical Oncology team at RGCIRC.
Patients who already have biopsy reports, biomarker results, molecular testing reports, or NGS results can also seek specialist guidance to understand available treatment options and next steps.
To book a consultation at RGCIRC:
Book online: care.rgcirc.org
Call Rohini: +91-11-4702 2222
Call Niti Bagh, South Delhi: +91-11-4582 2222
Download the RGCI Care app on iOS or Android
OPD Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Emergency Services: 24×7 at both campuses
Frequently Asked Questions
What is targeted therapy for cancer?
Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that uses medicines designed to act on specific molecules, proteins, or pathways that help cancer cells grow and survive. Unlike chemotherapy, which can affect both cancer cells and healthy fast-growing cells, targeted therapy focuses on identified cancer-related targets. It is usually recommended only when biomarker or molecular testing shows that the tumour has a target that can be treated with an available medicine.
How does targeted therapy work?
Targeted therapy works by blocking the signals or processes that cancer cells depend on. Depending on the drug, it may block growth signals, stop new blood vessel formation, interfere with cancer cell survival, or deliver treatment more directly to cancer cells. The exact mechanism depends on the cancer type, the molecular target, and the class of targeted drug being used.
Is targeted therapy better than chemotherapy?
Targeted therapy is not automatically better than chemotherapy. It is most useful when the tumour has a specific target that matches an available targeted drug.
For some patients, targeted therapy may offer better response, longer disease control, or a more manageable side effect profile. For others, chemotherapy may still be the most appropriate treatment. In many cases, targeted therapy and chemotherapy may also be used together.
What are the side effects of targeted therapy?
Side effects depend on the specific medicine and target. Common side effects may include skin rash, dry skin, diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, high blood pressure, liver enzyme changes, mouth sores, or changes in heart function.
Advanced treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy may have specific immune-related side effects, including cytokine release syndrome. At RGCIRC, patients receiving targeted therapy are monitored regularly so side effects can be identified and managed early.
How long does targeted therapy last?
The duration of targeted therapy depends on the cancer type, drug used, treatment response, side effects, and treatment goal.
Some oral targeted medicines are taken continuously as long as they remain effective and well tolerated. Some infusion-based therapies are given at fixed intervals for a planned number of cycles or until the treatment plan changes. CAR-T cell therapy follows a different treatment process and is usually given as a single infusion after preparation.
Can targeted therapy treat cancer without surgery?
In some cancers, targeted therapy may be used without surgery, especially when the disease is advanced, metastatic, or driven by a specific molecular target. In other cases, it may be used before surgery, after surgery, or along with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy. The role of targeted therapy depends on the cancer type, stage, biomarker results, and overall treatment plan.
How is targeted therapy different from radiation therapy?
Radiation therapy is a local treatment that uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in a specific area of the body. Targeted therapy is usually a systemic treatment, which means it travels through the bloodstream and can act on cancer cells carrying the relevant target in different parts of the body. Both treatments may be used separately or together, depending on the patient’s diagnosis and treatment goals.
What is the cost of targeted therapy at RGCIRC?
The cost of targeted therapy at RGCIRC depends on the specific drug, cancer type, treatment duration, testing required, route of administration, and whether additional supportive care is needed.
A detailed cost estimate is usually provided after consultation and review of the patient’s diagnosis, biomarker results, and treatment plan. Eligible patients who need financial support may also enquire about assistance through RGCIRC’s philanthropic services.
Where can I find targeted therapy for cancer near me?
If you are looking for targeted therapy for cancer near you in Delhi or the NCR region, RGCIRC offers precision cancer treatment where targeted medicines are selected based on the cancer’s biomarkers, genetic changes, or molecular profile.