A Revolutionary Step in Cancer Treatment
Cancer treatment has evolved tremendously over the last two decades, moving towards more precise and effective therapies. Targeted therapy, one of the most advanced and specialized treatments, has emerged as a game-changer in the field of oncology. It focuses on attacking specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth and progression of cancer, thereby reducing damage to healthy cells.
At Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, under the leadership of Dr. Kaushal Patel, a leading oncologist in Surat, patients have access to cutting-edge targeted therapies, making it a trusted cancer hospital in Surat for precision treatment.
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to "target" specific proteins or genetic mutations that help cancer cells grow, divide, and spread. Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells (including healthy ones), targeted therapy acts selectively, minimizing unnecessary damage and improving patient outcomes.
How Does Targeted Therapy Work?
Targeted therapies work by focusing on molecular abnormalities or genetic changes in cancer cells. Some mechanisms through which targeted therapy operates include:
- Blocking signals: Interrupting pathways that signal cancer cells to grow (e.g., EGFR inhibitors in lung cancer).
- Inhibiting angiogenesis: Preventing the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors (e.g., Bevacizumab).
- Triggering apoptosis: Encouraging cancer cells to undergo programmed cell death.
- Targeting specific proteins: Drugs like Imatinib, used for chronic myeloid leukemia, inhibit specific protein functions.
This precise approach is central to precision medicine, which involves customizing cancer treatment based on an individual’s genetic profile and cancer characteristics. Dr. Kaushal Patel, a cancer specialist in Surat, ensures that targeted therapies at Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre are tailored for each patient, optimizing outcomes.
Why Targeted Therapy is Better than Chemotherapy !
While chemotherapy remains a mainstay treatment, targeted therapy offers several significant advantages:
- Higher Specificity
- Targeted therapies selectively attack cancer cells without harming normal, healthy cells, which reduces toxicity.
- Chemotherapy, by contrast, affects all fast-dividing cells, leading to more severe side effects.
- Improved Survival Rates
- Studies have shown that targeted therapy significantly improves survival rates across various cancers. For example:
- In HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted drugs like Trastuzumab have improved 5-year survival rates by over 30%.
- Targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations have doubled progression-free survival compared to chemotherapy.
- At Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, many patients undergoing targeted therapy have experienced improved quality of life and better survival outcomes.
- Fewer Side Effects
- Targeted therapies cause fewer systemic side effects like nausea, vomiting, and hair loss compared to chemotherapy. Patients receiving treatment under the supervision of Dr. Kaushal Patel, one of the best medical oncologists in Surat, benefit from a smoother treatment experience.
- Combination with Other Treatments:
- Targeted therapies can be used in combination with immunotherapy, radiation, or chemotherapy for more effective cancer control.
Indications for Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is used to treat various cancers based on specific molecular markers. Some examples include:
- Breast Cancer:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Pertuzumab (Perjeta) used in combination with Trastuzumab for advanced HER2-positive breast cancer.
- T-DM1 (Kadcyla) and TDxD (Enhertu) for HER2-positive breast cancer resistant to initial treatment.
- Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, led by Dr. Kaushal B Patel, is regarded as one of the best breast cancer hospitals in India for offering advanced targeted treatments, including CDK4/6 inhibitors like Palbociclib, Ribociclib, and Abemaciclib for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
- Lung Cancer:
- EGFR inhibitors (Erlotinib, Gefitinib) for lung cancers with EGFR mutations. Other advanced targeted therapies include Osimertinib for T790M-mutated lung cancer and combination regimens involving monoclonal antibodies like Bevacizumab. Immunotherapies such as Atezolizumab and Durvalumab are also used to improve outcomes in advanced lung cancer.
- Colorectal Cancer:
- Drugs like Cetuximab and Bevacizumab target EGFR and VEGF pathways respectively, improving outcomes in advanced colorectal cancer. Additionally, Ramucirumab, another VEGF-targeting agent, has shown efficacy in treating metastatic colorectal cancer.
- Blood Cancers:
- Imatinib (Gleevec) for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
- Rituximab for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Kidney Cancer:
- VEGF inhibitors such as Sunitinib, Bevacizumab, and Sorafenib prevent angiogenesis, depriving the tumor of blood supply. These drugs have proven effective in treating various cancers, including kidney, ovarian, and colorectal cancers.
For patients in Surat and Gujarat, these treatments are now accessible under the care of Dr. Kaushal Patel, recognized as the best oncologist in Surat and a leading cancer specialist doctor in Surat.
Precision Medicine: The Future of Oncology
Targeted therapy is a vital part of precision medicine, an innovative approach to tailoring treatments based on a patient’s genetics, tumor markers, and molecular profiling. By identifying specific mutations, oncologists can prescribe therapies that are most likely to work, minimizing trial and error.
At Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, one of the most advanced cancer hospitals in Gujarat, patients benefit from genetic analysis and precision oncology. Under the expertise of Dr. Kaushal Patel, who is also a visiting oncologist at hospitals like Bharat Cancer Hospital, Lions Cancer Hospital, and Nirali Memorial Medical Trust, targeted treatments are integrated seamlessly.
Survival Statistics with Targeted Therapy
- HER2-positive breast cancer survival rates have improved from 65% to over 90% with the use of Trastuzumab.
- EGFR-mutated lung cancer patients receiving targeted therapy live up to 3 times longer compared to traditional treatments.
- Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with Imatinib have a 10-year survival rate of over 80%.
Patient Experience and Facilities
At Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, targeted therapies are administered in a comfortable and safe environment. The centre is equipped with:
- HEPA filter systems in each room to eliminate infection risks and hospital odors, enhancing patient comfort.
- Personalized care under the supervision of Dr. Kaushal Patel, one of the most trusted medical oncologists in Surat.
- Advanced facilities for genetic counseling, immunotherapy, and comprehensive cancer care, making it the best cancer hospital in Surat.
Conclusion
Targeted therapy represents a breakthrough in the fight against cancer, offering precision, reduced side effects, and improved survival rates. For patients seeking advanced cancer treatments, Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, led by Dr. Kaushal Patel, stands as the go-to destination for exceptional care. With state-of-the-art technology, HEPA-filteredchemotherapy day care, and access to targeted therapies, Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre is recognized as one of the best cancer hospitals in Surat and Gujarat.
For consultation with Dr. Kaushal Patel, a leading oncologist in Surat, or to know more about targeted therapies, visit Elite Hemat Onco Care Centre, the preferred cancer hospital in Surat Gujarat, offering the most advanced care for cancer patients.
