Targeted Therapy

Modern oncology has advanced significantly, opening up treatment possibilities based on a deep understanding of the mechanisms behind tumor development. One of the most progressive methods is targeted therapy, which focuses on specific molecular targets within the tumor, minimizing the impact on healthy body cells. This approach has transformed the concept of combating cancer, making treatment more precise, effective, and less traumatic.

What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that block specific molecules involved in the growth and division of tumor cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted drugs are aimed exclusively at cancer cells.

How does it work?

Tumors develop due to certain mutations that allow cells to divide uncontrollably, evading immune surveillance. Targeted drugs, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies, block these processes. For example, EGFR inhibitors (epidermal growth factor receptor) are successfully used in treating non-small cell lung cancer, blocking signals that trigger tumor growth.

Who is suitable for targeted therapy?

This treatment method is used when specific biomarkers are present, determined through molecular-genetic testing. For example:

• Breast cancer: patients with overexpression of HER2 receive targeted therapy with drugs such as trastuzumab, reducing the risk of recurrence by up to 50%.
• Melanoma: patients with a BRAF mutation receive combined targeted therapy, doubling the lifespan compared to traditional approaches.
• Lung cancer: treatment using ALK or ROS1 inhibitors significantly extends the time until disease progression.

Targeted therapy offers several unique advantages over other treatment methods:

• Precision: the drugs affect only tumor cells, reducing side effects such as hair loss or bone marrow damage.
• Improved survival: according to a study published in The Lancet Oncology, targeted therapy increases the median survival by 30-50% in patients with lung and breast cancer.
• Lower toxicity: patients experience fewer severe side effects, which improves the quality of life during treatment.

Modern approaches and innovations

Targeted therapy continues to evolve, including new generations of drugs and combined approaches. For example, combining targeted drugs with immunotherapy activates the body's own defense mechanisms, particularly effective in combating resistant forms of cancer. A significant advancement is the development of liquid biopsy—a method that allows the detection of biomarkers through blood analysis, simplifying diagnosis and treatment monitoring. According to Nature Reviews Cancer, this enables therapy adaptation in real-time, enhancing its effectiveness.

Alisa Health Group provides access to leading oncology clinics and specialists specializing in targeted therapy. Our task is to select the optimal treatment course based on molecular analyses and individual disease characteristics.

We organize a full cycle of medical travel, including:

• Consultation with an oncologist: detailed analysis of the diagnosis and tests to choose the most suitable treatment plan.
• Access to advanced technologies: we collaborate with clinics that use the latest drugs and diagnostic methods, including biomarker testing and liquid biopsy.
• Travel organization: we assist with logistics, accommodation, and medical documentation translation.
• Treatment monitoring: we stay in touch with you and your doctors throughout the therapy course.

What does practice say?

• Survival: patients with targeted therapy increase their life expectancy by an average of 12-24 months compared to traditional chemotherapy.
• Quality of life: over 70% of patients report an improvement in overall condition and a reduction in side effects, making treatment more bearable.

Thanks to precise research and an individualized approach, targeted therapy opens new horizons in the fight against cancer. Alisa Health Group is ready to accompany you on this journey, providing access to cutting-edge methods and the best specialists to ensure you receive the most effective and safe treatment.