What Is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a form of precision medicine that attacks cancer by focusing on particular molecular targets: the proteins, genes, or pathways which allow cancer cells to grow, divide or survive. Unlike conventional chemotherapy—which affects all rapidly dividing cells—targeted treatments aim to spare healthy cells while disrupting cancer-specific processes.

These therapies come in several forms: small-molecule inhibitors (which can enter cells and block internal molecules), monoclonal antibodies (which bind to molecules on the surface of cancer cells), or newer approaches like antibody-drug conjugates that deliver toxic payloads directly to tumor cells.

Why It Matters for Advanced Cancer

When cancer has progressed or spread beyond its original site (metastasised), treatment becomes more complex and the traditional “one-size-fits-all” model often isn’t enough. Here’s how targeted therapy changes the game:

Precision

By identifying specific genetic or molecular changes in a tumour (via biomarker testing or genomic profiling), oncologists can match patients with therapies that are more likely to work.

• Reduced collateral damage

• New options for difficult cases

• Personalisation of care

• Cost and access