Targeted Therapy

Precision Cancer Treatment

At Exeter Hospital, our cancer care team provides advanced treatment options designed to attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Targeted therapy is one of these innovative approaches, offering patients a more precise and personalized treatment experience.

What Is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on the specific genes, proteins, or pathways that help cancer cells grow and survive. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy works at a molecular level to block the signals that allow cancer cells to multiply. This precision reduces harm to healthy cells and often leads to fewer side effects.

How Targeted Therapy Works

Targeted therapy can work in several ways, including:

• Blocking or inhibiting signals that cancer cells use to grow
• Delivering toxic substances directly to cancer cells
• Helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
  
   

Types of Cancers Treated

Targeted therapy can be used to treat a variety of cancers, including:

• Breast cancer
• Lung cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Blood and bone marrow cancers
• Other solid tumors

Benefits of Targeted Therapy

• Precision treatment: Targets only cancer cells, sparing most healthy tissue
• Fewer side effects: Often causes less nausea, hair loss, and fatigue compared with traditional chemotherapy
• Personalized care: Therapy is tailored to the molecular profile of your cancer
  
   

Receiving Targeted Therapy

At Exeter Hospital, your treatment plan is carefully coordinated by our oncology team. Targeted therapy may be administered as an oral medication, an intravenous (IV) infusion, or sometimes in combination with other therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy. Your care team monitors your response to treatment and adjusts your plan as needed to maximize effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

Support Services

Our dedicated oncology nurses and support staff provide guidance throughout your treatment, including:

• Managing side effects
• Nutritional support
• Emotional and social support
• Coordination of appointments and follow-up care