Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer- Attacks Cancer Cells

Targeted therapy is a special type of treatment that can be used for some types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Unlike more general treatments like chemotherapy, which can affect all cells in the body, targeted therapies are designed to specifically attack cancer cells.

Cancer cells are different from normal cells in many ways, and these differences allow them to grow and spread uncontrollably. Scientists have found that certain proteins, or molecules, in cancer cells are often responsible for these differences. These proteins can be like the cancer cell’s “Achilles’ heel” – if we can attack these proteins, we can stop the cancer cells from growing.

Targeted therapies work by either blocking or turning off these proteins in the cancer cells, or by helping the body’s immune system recognize and attack the cancer cells. These therapies can be in the form of pills, injections, or infusions.

For prostate cancer specifically, some targeted therapies focus on hormonal therapy, as prostate cancer cells often need hormones to grow. By blocking the hormones, we can slow down or even stop the cancer’s growth.

Some of the targeted therapy drugs that are used to treat prostate cancer include:

Hormone therapy. These drugs work by blocking the effects of hormones that can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Immunotherapy. These drugs work by boosting the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.

PARP inhibitors. These drugs block the activity of PARP enzymes, which are involved in repairing DNA damage in cancer cells. By blocking PARP enzymes, these drugs make it more difficult for cancer cells to repair DNA damage, which can lead to the death of the cancer cells.

While targeted therapy can be very effective, it doesn’t work for everyone. Just like people have different hair and eye color, cancer cells can be different too. The specific proteins in the cancer cells can vary from person to person. Therefore, doctors first need to test the cancer cells to see if targeted therapy could work.

Because they are more specific in their action, targeted therapies may have different side effects than other treatments like chemotherapy. Always discuss the potential benefits and side effects with your doctor before starting any new treatment.