Modern methods of fighting cancer have proven their effectiveness. Targeted therapy for breast cancer is based on the sensitivity of the cells of this malignant neoplasm to hormonal substances. Drugs that target the affinity of tumor cell structures for them quickly reach the target area and affect the oncological process at the molecular level. Targeted medications have multiple side effects affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, nervous system and gastrointestinal tract.
A scientific publication by Doctor of Medical Sciences M. Stenin reports that the maximum antitumor effect in breast carcinoma can be achieved through the combined use of monoclonal antibody drugs - Trastuzumab and Lapatinib.
What's happened
Targeted therapy for breast cancer (BC) is a new technique in the treatment of breast cancer. The technique involves the use of drugs that have a targeted effect on the changed cellular structures. This type is also called immune targeted therapy or molecular.
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Thanks to the use of this type of treatment, it becomes possible to act only on tumor cells. At the same time, healthy tissues are not subject to negative changes. It is due to this effect that side effects during therapeutic measures occur in rare cases.
Targeted group drugs can be prescribed either independently or in combination with other methods used to detect oncological pathology of the mammary glands. In addition, such medications can be used for preventive and therapeutic purposes in relation to patients who have spread of metastases to distant anatomical structures.
The effects of targeted medications are aimed at intracellular and external receptors, blood vessels that grow around the tumor formation, as well as proteins involved in the production of cancer cells. It is thanks to the therapeutic effect on these targets that the death of atypical cellular elements occurs.
It is also noted that in most cases, patients tolerate targeted therapy for breast cancer much easier than, for example, hormone or chemotherapy. It is also noted that the occurrence of side effects with this method of treatment is observed in only 4% of cases of breast cancer.
If this technique is used in conjunction with chemotherapy in the fight against a malignant process, then the most positive therapeutic result can be achieved.
Targeted therapy for melanoma
Research shows that in about half of all melanomas, cells have a mutation in the BRAF gene. Because of this, a mutant protein of the same name is formed in them, and they multiply quickly. In such cases, targeted drugs from the group of BRAF inhibitors are effective: dabrafenib, vemurafenib.
The MEK gene works in tandem with the BRAF gene. If a mutation is detected, your doctor may prescribe MEK inhibitors: cobimetinib and trametinib.
Some melanomas (on areas of the skin that are constantly exposed to sunlight, on the palms and soles, mucous membranes, under the nails) have a mutation in the C-KIT gene. The drugs imatinib and nilotinib may help.
Drugs
Targeted therapy in oncology for lesions of the mammary glands involves the use of various groups of medications. Thanks to such methods, it is possible to contain the spread of tumor formation for a long time or reduce the concentration of cancer cell structures in it.
This tactic, despite the fact that it does not completely cure, allows you to transfer the oncological process from an aggressive form to a more sluggish one.
All agents used during treatment are classified into three large groups.
As a rule, funds are allocated whose negative effects are aimed at destroying the so-called targets. These may be anti-HER2 drugs or antiestrogens.
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In addition, there are medications that improve the environment in which a malignant tumor forms. For example, antiangiogenic medications may be used.
The third category includes drugs that help suppress signaling within atypical cellular structures. It is worth noting right away that many target agents are still at the research stage.
The creation of all medications is aimed at maximally suppressing the mutation of DNA cells, as well as stopping the process of formation of new seals.
Thanks to the action of such agents, further tumor growth is blocked, which prevents the enlargement of the lesion and the spread of metastases.
The choice of drug use is based on the degree of complexity of the pathology, the individual characteristics of the female body and other components.
The main task of targeted agents is aimed at controlling genes that can provoke the proliferation of cancer cell structures, apoptosis and destruction of atypical cells, blocking the production of hormones that promote tumor formation, and blocking access to healthy anatomical structures in order to prevent the development of new tumors.
Anti-HER2 therapy
To decipher, a term such as type 2 receptor for the epidermal growth factor molecule is used. Its main feature is its recognition of multiple signals that can come from molecules that activate growth.
With the appearance of a large number of such receptors, the survival prognosis significantly worsens and in most cases frequent relapses of the pathological process occur. To prevent this from happening, standard treatment methods alone are not enough. This type of blocker is used for this purpose.
Pertuzumab
Refers to new drugs whose action is aimed at blocking several signals at once that can pass through receptors.
Thanks to research, it has been proven that this remedy is advisable to use in case of negative results from other medications, in particular Herceptin. However, to achieve maximum effect, simultaneous administration of these two drugs is recommended.
It is also worth noting that it is well tolerated by patients and has no toxic effects on the cardiac system.
Herceptin
To date, the mechanism of its action has not been fully studied. However, there is an assumption that the death of cancer cells occurs according to the principle of the action of antibodies.
The effectiveness of Herceptin is also observed in metastatic cancer, as well as in the presence of a large number of HER2 receptors. The best results from the use of such a drug are observed in people who have not previously undergone any therapeutic measures (35%). A positive effect in women undergoing chemotherapy is observed in only 15 percent of cases.
The use of the product shows good results both when used independently and in combination with other medications.
In addition, the effectiveness of Herceptin is observed in HER2-positive cancer, regardless of the stage of its development, as well as before radiotherapy or surgery, which allows reducing the amount of surgical work performed.
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It is a monoclonal antibody. Thanks to attachment to the growth protein, the spread of malignant cellular structures in which an excess amount of this substance is present is slowed down.
Depending on the severity of the cancer, this drug can be used once every seven days or in a higher dosage - every 21 days. The drug enters the body through intravenous administration.
Often this drug is prescribed after surgery to remove a breast tumor, which helps prevent the recurrence of the pathology.
Ado-trastuzumab emtansine
Belongs to the group of antibody-drug conjugates, which include monoclonal antibodies contained in the chemotherapy drug DM-1 and Herceptin. The drug is delivered directly to the tumor cells.
The drug is used to detect common breast cancer. Typically, injections are given every 21 days. Side effects may include muscle pain, bouts of nausea, increased fatigue, decreased platelet concentrations in the blood, bowel problems such as constipation and headaches.
The development of more serious manifestations, such as allergies, problems with the heart, lungs and liver, cannot be ruled out.
Lapatinib
Its action also targets growth proteins. It is used for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer, when a positive result has not been achieved with Trastuzumab or chemotherapy.
Available in tablet form, it can be combined with Letrozole and Xeloda.
To achieve maximum effectiveness, it is recommended to use it concomitantly with Trastuzumab.
Antiangiogenic targeted therapy
In most cases, Bevacizumab is used, which is a monoclonal antibody. After 6 months of its use, a decrease in the density of blood vessels in the malignant formation is noted.
However, after withdrawal, repeated neoangiogenesis increases. Based on these results, many experts have come to the conclusion that treatment with this medication should be long-term.
Anti-PARP drugs
One of the most common medications is Iniparib. Despite the fact that it is still undergoing clinical trials, it has been noted that as a result of its use, there is a decrease in the rate of progression of high-grade tumors and an increase in the life expectancy of patients.
Targeted therapy for colorectal cancer
For colorectal cancer, three groups of targeted drugs are used:
- Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a protein that is produced by cancer cells and stimulates angiogenesis: ramucirumab, bevacizumab.
- Inhibitors of epidermal growth factor receptors, which are located on the surface of cancer cells and, being in an active state, cause them to multiply: panitumumab, cetuximab.
- Inhibitors of kinase, a protein enzyme that performs various functions, including stimulating cell growth: regorafenib.
Indications
Targeted therapy for breast cancer is used in the following cases:
- last stage of cancer;
- extremely serious condition of the patient;
- impossibility of surgical intervention;
- high risk of complications after surgery;
- the likelihood of metastases spreading .
In addition, treatment with targeted drugs is prescribed in situations where there is rapid proliferation of atypical cellular structures.
The essence of the technique
By the 1990s, scientists had discovered and studied most of the key mechanisms regulating the division and survival of cancer cells. It became known that on their surface there are special receptors, the signal from which “turns on” specific enzymes and chemicals, and thus the carcinoma constantly grows, bypasses the immune defense and can metastasize.
There are no similar structures in healthy cells. That is, if you organize “targeted delivery” specifically to tumor components, you can stop the progression of carcinoma. This is precisely the essence of targeted therapy (“target” translated from English means “target”).
This type of treatment for breast cancer is a special subtype of drug therapy, and can be used both with and without drugs for “classical” chemotherapy. Targeted therapy does not involve avoiding radiation therapy or surgery.
Most targeted treatments do not kill breast carcinoma cells. They suppress the mechanisms by which:
- or a command is given to divide them;
- or their differentiation was previously blocked, which is why the tumor was less differentiated, that is, more rapidly dividing and malignant.
Pros of therapy
Among the main advantages of this type of treatment, the most important point is that it can be used not only at the initial stages of the formation of a malignant neoplasm, but also during the process of metastasis. In addition, targeted therapy is possible if chemotherapy is contraindicated.
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Positive aspects also include minimal side effects, good tolerance by patients, reduced risks of tumor spread to the second mammary gland and re-development of the disease, and increased life expectancy of patients.
It is also worth noting that with this approach there is no need to adjust the hemoglobin concentration in the body.
Feedback from a patient at the European Clinic about targeted therapy
I found a clinic based on the principle of using targeted therapy. I searched carefully and found out that the European clinic has the most experience in using it to treat melanoma. I was admitted very quickly, the diagnosis was confirmed and, based on histological examination, I was prescribed dabrafenib, since I have a braf mutation. I'm currently taking my second course. There are side effects, but not the same as with conventional chemotherapy. Judging by the dynamics, everything is fine, and a good outcome can be expected. I trust Dr. Pylev completely. I consider myself very lucky with the clinic and doctors.
Preparations and their brief characteristics
For malignant neoplasms of this localization, targeted drugs such as Tamoxifen and a group of antiestrogens were the first to be used. Clinical studies of these medications have proven that their hormone-like structure is optimally suited for migration into the tumor core. Among antiestrogens, preference is given to Toremifene and Fulvistrant. Another group that has proven itself in the fight against breast cancer are inhibitors of aromatase enzymes synthesized by the female genital organs. The “gold standard” of modern oncology is the drug Herceptin. It has a protein nature and is capable of reducing the resistance of tumor cells to other medications, imposing on them a kind of immunodeficiency. Another drug, Pertuzumab, which by its chemical nature belongs to monoclonal antibodies, perfectly supports the work of Herceptin.
How is Herceptin used and what are its side effects?
Herceptin is intended for intravenous administration. It is used either alone or in combination with chemotherapy. At the very beginning of treatment, side effects such as fever and chills usually occur.
Other potential side effects include weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, breathing problems and skin rash. After the first treatment session, the intensity of side effects gradually decreases. In rare cases, Herceptin also causes problems with the heart muscle, heart failure, and severe breathing problems. Before and during treatment, doctors must check the condition of the patient’s heart and lungs.
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