Targeted Therapy for Breast Cancer
Why is Targeted Therapy Used for Breast Cancer?
Chemotherapy attacks the working centers of all cells in the body, harming both cancer cells and healthy cells. Targeted therapies can limit damage to healthy cells and help kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells by attacking specific growth pathways within cancers. Often, patients experience fewer toxicities with targeted therapies. This often reduces the amount of side effects a patient may experience. With that said, there are unique side effects with targeted therapy that your breast cancer doctor can explain.
Breast cancer can have many different attributes, which means not every breast cancer patient is a good fit for the available targeted therapies. Additionally, The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) states that studies show not all tumors have the same targets, therefore, the same targeted treatment does not work for everyone. If targeted therapies are administered, they may be given in addition to another form of breast cancer treatment such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or hormone therapy.
Types of Targeted Therapy Used for Breast Cancer
There are two main types of targeted therapy:
- Monoclonal antibodies block a specific target on the outside of cancer cells.
- Small-molecule drugs can block the process that helps cancer cells multiply and spread.
Drugs used in targeted therapy have been developed to target specific cell changes. Therefore, the drugs given to patients are usually based on their specific hormone status and the type of breast cancer. Below is an explanation of the various types of targeted therapies that an oncologist may choose to use if one has been identified as a good fit for the type of breast cancer.
Drugs used in targeted therapy have been developed to target specific cell changes. Therefore, the drugs given to patients are usually based on their specific hormone status and their type of breast cancer. Patients who may benefit from targeted therapy might receive one of the following:
Targeted Therapy for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
For tumors that are HER2 positive, targeted HER2–directed antibody therapy is often administered to block the action of the HER2 growth pathway that stimulates the growth of HER2-positive breast cancer cells. For example, targeted therapy may block the action of an abnormal protein (such as HER2) that stimulates the growth of breast cancer cells. (More information about HER2.)
Trastuzumab (Herceptin®), lapatinib (TYKERB®), pertuzumab (Perjeta), ado-trastuzumab (Kadcyla), and neratinib (Nerlynx) are HER2 targeted therapies that may be recommended to treat HER2 positive breast cancer. Doctors often prescribe these medications along with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other treatments.
Targeted Therapy for Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
If your breast cancer is hormone receptor-positive, your treatment will typically begin with hormone therapy. Certain targeted therapy drugs have been developed to help make hormone therapy even more effective. Learn more about hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Everolimus (Afinitor), bevacizumab (Avastin), palbociclib (Ibrance), ribociclib (Kisqali), abemaciclib (Verzenio) are targeted therapies that may be recommended to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
Targeted Therapy for Women with BRCA Gene Mutations
Patients who have hereditary breast cancer syndrome caused by inherited gene changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 will have their cancer targeted with a type of drug known as a PARP inhibitor. Olaparib (Lynparza) is the primary targeted therapy drug used to treat breast cancer caused by genetic mutations. Learn more about genetic testing and counseling.
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment
Not everyone who undergoes targeted therapy for breast cancer will experience side effects. Additionally, the severity of side effects can vary based on the individual as well as the drugs used.
For those who do experience side effects, most will go away over time after treatment ends and the healthy cells recover. Again, the time it takes to get past the side effects varies from person to person. At this time, the duration of side effects is unknown.
Some common side effects patients may experience from targeted breast therapy may include:
- High blood pressure
- Bleeding or clotting problems
- Slow wound healing
- Heart damage
- Autoimmune reactions
- Swelling (especially around the eyes)
Some patients may also experience skin problems due to targeted therapy treatment. Skin problems may include:
- Rash or skin changes that develop slowly over days to weeks. This can include becoming sensitive to the sun (photosensitivity), itching, dry skin, hand-foot syndrome, and red, sore cuticles.
- Changes in hair growth, such as hair that has become thin, dry, brittle, or even curly. Some people may experience bald patches or complete loss of scalp hair due to long-term use of targeted therapy drugs. For most men and women, facial hair may grow faster than usual. Some facial hair growth in men, however, may slow down.
- Changes in hair or skin color may include skin or hair turning a yellowish color during treatment. For some, hair or skin may get darker.
- Changes in and around the eyes, which can include burning, dryness, and redness. Eyelids may become red, tender, and swollen. Lashes may also become crusty.
Other side effects of targeted therapy that mimic standard chemotherapy side effects can include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Mouth sores
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Hair loss
Personalized Breast Cancer Treatment on the Peninsula, Southside, Western Tidewater, and Northeast North Carolina
If you were recently diagnosed with breast cancer, the first step is to schedule a consultation with an oncologist. If you are located on the Peninsula, Southside, Western Tidewater, or Northeast North Carolina, we offer personalized treatment plans and second opinions on breast cancer treatment. Choose one of our cancer center locations in Chesapeake, Elizabeth City, Newport News, Norfolk, Suffolk (Harbour View and Obici), Virginia Beach, and Williamsburg to schedule a consultation.
