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Targeted Cancer Treatment
December 1, 2008 |
When it comes to cancer, research and studies seem to be constant. Many physicians
agree that every new development, big or small, is beneficial.
Oncologist Dr. Francisco Rodriguez
says, “Any little bit that you can add to the
currently available therapies is going to be a significant increase in terms of
the benefit you can provide to the patient.”
One fairly recent development in cancer treatment is the use of medication therapy
to target specific cells and molecules. “Most recently we’ve had these new and perhaps
more interesting drugs; targeted therapies. Targeted therapy means that you have
found a molecular or genetic mutation, something that you know what you’re attacking
and by giving this therapy, whatever it may be you can turn that process off,” says
Dr. Rodriguez. By interfering with tumor growth and cancer cell reproduction targeted
therapy could help to block the spread or growth of cancer.
Dr. Rodriguez says the goal is to get the cells back to behaving normally. “You
just want to make sure that you get the cells working the way they’re meant to work.”
While research is still on-going, targeted therapy is being used right now in clinical
trials to treat several different types of cancer including pancreatic, breast,
and lung. Targeted cancer therapies are being studied for use alone and in combination
with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy. |
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