Targeted therapy treatment works on the basis of blocking the growth of the cancer. This is achieved by targeting specific molecules that are required for carcinogenesis and the growth of the tumor. Since this treatment affects specific targeted molecules instead of all the rapidly dividing cells, it is far more effective and the damaged caused to the normal cells unlike the current treatments is much lesser.

This cancer treatment was started in the late 90’s and ever since its first use it has undoubtedly made a substantial impact on cancer treatments. In one type of targeted therapy, small peptides are used. They cling onto the cell surface receptors or the affected area surrounding the tumor. These peptides act like “homing devices” and they have radio-nuclides attached to them. These radio-nuclides start decaying and eventually killing the cancer cell.

Another type of targeted therapy is the Photodynamic therapy (PDT). This is a ternary treatment having three important components a photosensitizer, tissue oxygen, and light (often using lasers). PDT is often used for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or lung cancer treatment and they are also very helpful in eradicating traces of cancer tissues after a surgery is performed for removing a large tumor.