Targeted therapies attack certain molecular agents or pathways involved in the development of cancer. For example, the drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets a certain gene's protein called HER2/neu that is found on the surface of some cancer cells.
Unlike chemotherapy drugs, targeted therapies can kill cancer cells with little harm to healthy cells. One of the drawbacks of these therapies is that they only work on cancers that have the specific agents they were designed to target. Therefore, many people are not candidates for these therapies.
Targeted therapies offer promise for current and future breast cancer treatments.
Learn about trastuzumab in the treatment of early and locally advanced breast cancer.
Learn about trastuzumab and other targeted therapies in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
To learn more about a specific targeted therapy drug, visit the National Institutes of Health’s Medline Plus website.
Treatment guidelines
Although the exact treatment for breast cancer varies from person to person, some organizations have guidelines to help ensure quality care. These guidelines are based on the latest research and the consensus of experts. The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and National Comprehensive Care Network (NCCN) are two respected organizations that regularly update and post their guidelines online. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) also has overviews of treatment options.
Prescription drug assistance
Targeted therapy drug costs can quickly become a financial burden for you and your family. Medicare and many insurance providers offer prescription drug plans. One may already be included in your policy or you may be able to buy an extra plan for prescriptions.
You may also qualify for assistance from programs that help with drug costs or offer low-cost or free prescriptions.
Learn more about insurance plans and prescription drug assistance programs.
Updated 08/02/11
