01 · OVERVIEW
What Is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a cornerstone of modern precision oncology. It acts by identifying and attacking specific genetic mutations, abnormal proteins, or blood-vessel networks that cancer cells require to grow, divide, and spread.
Because targeted medicines specifically focus on unique molecular targets on cancer cells, they cause far less damage to surrounding healthy normal cells compared to traditional chemotherapy. In Jaipur, Dr. Rishabh Jain utilizes advanced next-generation genomic sequencing (NGS) to match each patient's tumour with the exact matching targeted molecule.
02 · DRUG CLASSES
Types of Targeted Therapy Drugs
Targeted therapies fall into distinct classes based on their cellular target:
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
Oral small-molecule pills that enter cancer cells and switch off internal growth signals (e.g., Osimertinib, Gefitinib, Erlotinib).
Monoclonal Antibody Blockers
Engineered antibodies that block external receptors on cancer surfaces (e.g., Trastuzumab/Herceptin, Pertuzumab, Cetuximab).
CDK4/6 & PARP Inhibitors
Oral precision inhibitors that block cell division cycle in hormone-positive breast cancer and BRCA-mutated tumours.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors (VEGF)
Drugs that prevent tumours from forming new blood supply networks, effectively starving the tumour of nourishment.
03 · CANDIDACY
Who Needs Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is recommended when tumour genomic testing reveals an actionable driver mutation, commonly in:
-
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer: Anti-HER2 targeted therapy (Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab, T-DM1).
-
EGFR / ALK / ROS1 Lung Cancer: Targeted daily oral tablets offering exceptional response rates.
-
HR+ / HER2- Metastatic Breast Cancer: CDK4/6 inhibitors (Palbociclib, Ribociclib, Abemaciclib).
-
Colorectal Cancer: Anti-EGFR (Cetuximab/Panitumumab) or Anti-VEGF (Bevacizumab) protocols.
-
Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST) & CML: Imatinib, Sunitinib, and second-line kinase blockers.
-
Ovarian & Prostate Cancer: PARP inhibitors (Olaparib) for patients with BRCA1/2 mutations.
Crucial Step: Targeted therapy is strictly prescribed based on positive mutation testing, ensuring the right drug reaches the right patient.
04 · GENOMIC TESTING
Tests Before Starting Targeted Therapy
Dr. Rishabh Jain coordinates specialized molecular testing on the patient's tumour biopsy or blood sample:
Next-Gen Sequencing (NGS)
Comprehensive DNA/RNA multi-gene panel testing searching for hundreds of actionable mutations simultaneously.
Immunohistochemistry (IHC)
Assesses protein overexpression on cancer surfaces (HER2, ER, PR, ALK D5F3).
FISH Molecular Testing
Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirms gene amplifications and chromosomal rearrangements.
Liquid Biopsy (ctDNA)
Detects circulating tumour DNA in a simple blood sample when repeat biopsy is difficult.
Baseline Organ Function
Blood tests to check liver and kidney clearance for oral medication dosing.
Cardiac Evaluation
Baseline 2D-ECHO for HER2-targeted therapies to monitor heart safety.
05 · PATIENT CARE
Side Effects of Targeted Therapy and How We Manage Them
Because targeted therapies spare healthy cells, traditional side effects like heavy vomiting and severe hair loss are rare. Specific targeted side effects are mild and comfortably managed:
| Targeted Effect |
How It Is Managed |
| Acne-like skin rash (EGFR inhibitors) |
Moisturizers, sunscreen, topical clindamycin, and oral doxycycline if required. |
| Mild diarrhoea |
Dietary modifications, oral rehydration, and loperamide as prescribed. |
| High blood pressure (VEGF blockers) |
Regular BP monitoring and standard anti-hypertensive medication. |
| Nail bed changes or dryness |
Protective emollient ointments and gentle nail care routines. |
| Mild liver enzyme elevation |
Monitored via routine LFT blood tests; dosage adjusted if enzymes fluctuate. |
| Fatigue |
Balanced nutrition, light physical activity, and adequate hydration. |
Contact our oncology helpline immediately if you experience:
• Sudden onset of severe shortness of breath or persistent dry cough
• Severe uncontrolled diarrhoea causing dehydration
• High fever with chills (100.4°F / 38°C or above)
• Severe skin blistering, eye irritation, or facial swelling
• Unusual bleeding or rapid heart palpitations
• Inability to take daily oral tablets due to severe illness
06 · FINANCIAL CLARITY
Targeted Therapy Cost in Jaipur
Targeted therapy costs depend on whether the prescribed medicine is available as a high-quality Indian generic/biosimilar or an innovator molecule:
Indian Biosimilars
Affordable generic targeted drugs (Trastuzumab, Bevacizumab, Erlotinib) at accessible costs.
Patient Assistance Programs
Special PAP schemes (buy 1 get 2 free, etc.) from pharmaceutical companies to ease costs.
Convenient Oral Regimens
Many targeted drugs are daily pills taken at home without hospital day care charges.
Genomic Cost-Effectiveness
Testing ensures you only spend on drugs proven to work for your specific mutation.
Insurance Approval
Fully covered under standard mediclaim policies and major healthcare panels.
Flexible Generic Options
Transparent discussion of budget-friendly drug alternatives without compromising quality.
Transparent Care: Dr. Rishabh Jain discusses all approved generic and innovator options, guiding you to the most effective treatment that fits your family's budget.
