Oral targeted agents
Daily or intermittent tablets for drivers such as EGFR, ALK, or other kinase alterations, with adherence support.
6 min read
Targeted therapy: precision treatment guided by tumour biology
Targeted therapies act on specific molecular drivers in cancer cells. Dr. Dhar reviews genomic and biomarker reports to explain whether a precision drug is appropriate — and how it fits with other treatments.
What is targeted therapy?
Targeted drugs block pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow — for example HER2, EGFR, BRAF, or angiogenesis signals. Many are oral tablets; some are infusions.
They are not “one size fits all.” A drug only helps if the tumour has the matching alteration or pathway activity, confirmed by testing.
Side-effect profiles differ from classic chemotherapy. Skin rash, diarrhoea, liver test changes, or blood pressure effects are more typical for certain classes.
When targeted therapy enters the conversation
- Molecular testing shows an actionable mutation
- HER2-positive breast cancer or gastric cancer
- EGFR/ALK-positive or similar lung cancer alterations
- Selected colorectal, thyroid, or other solid tumours
- Disease progression where a new targetable pathway is found
Liquid biopsy or tissue NGS may be used when standard tests are incomplete — your oncologist will advise.
When to consult
- You received a genomic or NGS report and need it explained
- A targeted drug has been suggested and you want clarity
- Prior targeted therapy stopped working
- You need help managing drug-specific side effects
- You want a second opinion on sequencing targeted vs chemo options
Testing that guides targeted drugs
- 01IHC for proteins such as HER2 or PD-L1 context
- 02PCR or FISH for selected gene changes
- 03Next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels
- 04Liquid biopsy in selected situations
- 05Resistance mutation testing at progression
- 06Correlation of results with approved drug options
QUICK CHECK
Does this apply to you?
Useful if precision oncology has been mentioned.
Select anything that applies — then book a visit to review reports together.
Book appointmentHow targeted therapy is planned
Matching drug to driver is the first step. Sequencing with surgery, chemo, or immunotherapy comes next.
Antibody and conjugate therapies
HER2-directed antibodies and antibody-drug conjugates in breast and selected other cancers.
Anti-angiogenic therapy
Drugs that interfere with tumour blood-vessel signalling in selected tumour types.
Resistance planning
When cancer adapts, repeat testing may reveal a new target or a switch to another modality.
From report to regimen
01
Interpret the report
Separate actionable findings from variants of uncertain significance.
What to prepare and expect
- Bring the full molecular report, not only the summary page
- Share all prior systemic therapies and responses
- Ask which findings are truly actionable today
- Discuss cost, access, and expected duration
Frequently asked questions
No. Targeted therapy blocks specific cancer pathways. Immunotherapy stimulates immune attack. Some plans use both, but they work differently.
Only some are actionable. Your oncologist will highlight which findings change treatment and which are informational.
They avoid some chemotherapy effects, but they are not side-effect free. Each drug class has its own monitoring needs.
In some settings it contributes to long remission or cure as part of a broader plan. In advanced disease it often aims for durable control. Expectations should be set case by case.
LET'S TAKE THE NEXT STEPYour care deserves
Your care deserves
a conversation.
Share a few details and the clinic team will help arrange a consultation with Dr. Dhar. Prefer to talk now? Reach the appointment desk directly.
ClinicMarengo Asia HospitalsGurugram, HaryanaGet directions