Novel targeted therapy

In addition to chemotherapy and hormonal (estrogen-blocking/reducing) treatment, there are other types of systemic treatments for breast cancer. In recent years, scientists have been working to develop novel targeted therapies for the treatment of various cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung. Novel targeted therapies work differently from traditional chemotherapy and are designed to look for certain markers on cancer cells or work on specific pathways important for cell growth.

One novel targeted therapy is specifically used for the treatment of advanced breast cancer. This targeted therapy works only against breast cancer cells that make too much of a protein called HER2/neu. These cancer cells tend to grow more rapidly.

This targeted therapy works by binding to HER2/neu proteins (receptors) on tumor cells. This causes the HER2/neu proteins to stop working, and the tumor cells are no longer able to grow. This type of therapy can be used alone or given together with chemotherapy.

What to expect with novel targeted therapy

Some of the side effects associated with the use of this targeted therapy include, but are not limited to, allergic reactions, heart-related problems, fever, diarrhea, infections, chills, increased cough, and headaches. Talk to your doctor about what additional side effects you may expect and how to manage them if they occur. Make sure you tell your doctor if you experience any side effects.