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targeted therapy
Targeted therapy refers to drugs designed to attack specific molecular features of cancer cells, such as mutations or overexpressed proteins, while sparing normal cells.
Targeted therapy refers to drugs designed to attack specific molecular features of cancer cells, such as mutations or overexpressed proteins, while sparing normal cells. Used for Various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies (specific indications depend on the particular targeted agent).
At a glance
| Generic name | targeted therapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Entratinib, Cabotinib, Aletinib, Enmetrastuzumab, Trastuzumab |
| Sponsor | Fox Chase Cancer Center |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Targeted therapies work by identifying and inhibiting specific genetic mutations, signaling pathways, or proteins that drive cancer growth. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which broadly damages rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies exploit unique vulnerabilities in cancer cells—such as overactive growth factor receptors, constitutively active kinases, or fusion proteins—to achieve selectivity. This approach typically results in improved efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to non-selective cytotoxic agents.
Approved indications
- Various solid tumors and hematologic malignancies (specific indications depend on the particular targeted agent)
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Nausea
- Hepatotoxicity
Key clinical trials
- The Effects of Resistance Training and a Plant-Based Supplement on Perimenopausal Symptoms and Muscle Health. (NA)
- A Study of Targeted Radiation Therapy in People With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) (PHASE2)
- Testing Palbociclib (PD-0332991) as a Potential Targeted Treatment in Cancers With CCND1, 2, 3 Amplification (MATCH-Subprotocol Z1B) (PHASE2)
- A Phase I, Single-arm, Open-label Clinical Study to Evaluate the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Preliminary Efficacy of CHT101 Cell Infusion in Adult Subjects With Recurrent or Progressive Malignant Primary Brain Tumors（CROWN） (PHASE1)
- Exemption of SLNB After Neoadjuvant Therapy for Triple-negative and Her2-positive Breast Cancer (NA)
- Testing Afatinib as Potentially Targeted Treatment in Cancers With EGFR Genetic Changes (MATCH - Subprotocol A) (PHASE2)
- Reducing Symptom Burden Through Physical Exercise in Melanoma Patients (NA)
- Accelerated TMS for Apathy in PD (NA)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- targeted therapy CI brief — competitive landscape report
- targeted therapy updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Fox Chase Cancer Center portfolio CI