Cancer treatment has changed dramatically over the last two decades.
Earlier, most people knew only:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
But today, a more precise and advanced treatment option has transformed cancer care:
👉 Targeted Therapy
According to Dr. Deenadayalan T, targeted therapy is one of the biggest breakthroughs in modern oncology because it attacks cancer cells with far greater precision and fewer side effects.
🩺 The Three Main Types of Cancer Treatment
Before understanding targeted therapy, it’s important to know the three major cancer treatment approaches.
1. Surgery
Removal of the tumor through an operation.
2. Systemic Treatment
Medicines given through:
- Tablets
- Injections
This includes:
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
3. Radiotherapy
Using high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.
💊 How Chemotherapy Works
For many years, systemic cancer treatment mainly meant chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy works by attacking:
👉 Rapidly dividing cells
Cancer cells divide very quickly, and chemotherapy damages their DNA to stop growth.
⚠️ The Limitation of Chemotherapy
The problem is:
👉 Chemotherapy is not highly specific.
It can also affect healthy fast-growing cells such as:
- Hair follicles
- Bone marrow
- Digestive tract lining
This is why side effects like:
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
- Weak immunity
commonly occur.
🎯 Targeted Therapy: A More Precise Approach
Targeted therapy works very differently.
Instead of attacking all rapidly dividing cells:
👉 It targets a specific abnormality inside cancer cells.
Dr. Deenadayalan compares it like this:
- Chemotherapy = using a handgun
- Targeted therapy = using a precision sniper scope
👉 The attack becomes more focused, accurate, and controlled.
🧬 Why Genetics Matter in Cancer
Every cancer develops because of genetic changes.
These changes may include:
- Mutations
- Translocations
- Duplications
- Inversions
Earlier, doctors could not identify the exact genetic problem driving the cancer.
Today, things have changed completely.
🔬 What Is Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)?
Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is an advanced genetic test that helps identify:
👉 The exact mutation or genetic alteration causing cancer.
Why this matters:
Once the genetic target is identified:
👉 Doctors can choose a medicine specifically designed to block it.
This is called:
👉 Precision Oncology
✅ Benefits of Targeted Therapy
Compared to chemotherapy, targeted therapy often offers:
✔️ Better precision
✔️ Fewer side effects
✔️ Improved effectiveness
✔️ Better quality of life
Not every cancer has a targetable mutation—but when it does, the results can be remarkable.
🩸 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): A Real-Life Success Story
One of the greatest examples of targeted therapy is:
👉 Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Earlier:
- CML was treated mainly with chemotherapy
- Most patients eventually progressed to a dangerous phase called blast crisis
- Bone marrow transplant was often the only option
🔬 The Discovery That Changed Everything
Researchers discovered that CML is caused by:
👉 A translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22
This creates an abnormal protein called:
👉 BCR-ABL
Once this target was identified, a revolutionary medicine was developed:
👉 Imatinib
💊 Imatinib: A Game-Changer in Cancer Treatment
Imatinib specifically blocks the BCR-ABL abnormality.
The impact was extraordinary.
Today:
- Most CML patients take just one tablet daily
- Around 90% live near-normal lives
- Lifespan is often almost unaffected
This transformed CML from a dangerous cancer into something closer to a manageable chronic condition.
🌍 The Future of Cancer Treatment
Targeted therapy represents the future of oncology.
As genetic testing becomes more affordable and accessible:
👉 More cancers can be treated with personalized precision medicine.
This approach is already improving outcomes in:
- Blood cancers
- Lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colon cancer
- Many advanced cancers
⚠️ Important Reality Check
Targeted therapy is powerful—but it is not suitable for every patient.
The treatment depends on:
- Cancer type
- Genetic mutations
- Overall health condition
👉 Proper testing and expert evaluation are essential.
👨⚕️ Cancer Specialist in Madurai
Dr. Deenadayalan T is a leading oncologist in Madurai specializing in:
- Precision oncology
- Targeted therapy
- Advanced cancer treatments
- Personalized cancer care
If you want guidance regarding modern cancer treatment options, consult a qualified specialist.
✅ Final Takeaway
Cancer treatment is no longer one-size-fits-all.
👉 Modern oncology is moving toward precision medicine.
Instead of broadly attacking cells like chemotherapy:
👉 Targeted therapy attacks the exact genetic driver causing cancer.
And for many patients, that changes everything.