Did you know that Targeted therapy focuses on specific cancer-driving molecules, while chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells more broadly?
When it comes to cancer treatment precision is paramount and targeted therapy and chemotherapy stand as prominent solutions.
To choose between the two you need to understand the distinct characteristics of the two treatments, empowering you to make an informed decision in the journey to combat cancer.
So, here are 9 key differences between the two therapies.
Targeted therapy Vs chemotherapy
Here are 9 key distinctions between targeted therapy and chemotherapy, shedding light on their diverse mechanisms, effects, and applications.
1. How they work
Both procedures work differently and that can impact the person in different ways.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is used to fight cancer cells by attacking anything that’s increasing rapidly. The challenge is that it doesn’t discriminate too well, so it can affect both the cancer cells and healthy fast-growing cells. As a result, there can be side effects like hair loss and tiredness.
Targeted Therapy:
Now, targeted therapy is super precise. It focuses on specific proteins that tell the cancer cells to grow and divide. So, it’s like taking out the enemy’s command center. This means it can be gentler on the good cells because it’s not attacking everything in its path.
2. Treatment Scope
Both have differences in the scope of treatment too.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a versatile treatment utilized for a range of cancers characterized by rapidly dividing cells, making it a go-to option when a more generalized approach is needed to combat the fast growth of cancerous cells.
Targeted Therapy:
In contrast, targeted therapy is a more precise strategy. It is specifically employed for cancers with identified molecular targets. This method involves testing for specific biomarkers to pinpoint the unique features of the cancer cells, allowing for a tailored and focused treatment approach.
3. Side Effects
Both processes have their own sets of side effects.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy often leads to side effects such as hair loss, nausea, and fatigue because it affects not only rapidly dividing cancer cells but also healthy cells that grow quickly, causing temporary but noticeable changes in the body.
Targeted Therapy:
In contrast, targeted therapy tends to result in fewer side effects. While some common issues like diarrhea and liver problems may occur, the precision of this treatment minimizes the impact on healthy cells, making the overall experience less taxing on the patient.
4. Administration
The way these two processes are administered is different from each other, too. Let’s check how.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is delivered through diverse methods, such as oral pills, intravenous infusion, injections into muscles or under the skin, and even in topical forms. The flexibility in administration allows for adaptation to the specific needs and conditions of the patient.
Targeted Therapy:
In contrast, targeted therapy is generally administered intravenously (into the veins), with a focus on precision. It often involves monoclonal antibodies or small-molecule drugs, providing a more direct and refined approach to target specific proteins involved in cancer growth. This method is commonly chosen for its accuracy in delivering the treatment to the right place in the body.
5. Immune System Interaction
These two procedures are different in terms of how they interact with the patient’s immune system.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy carries the potential to compromise the immune system as it impacts not only cancer cells but also healthy rapidly dividing cells, temporarily weakening the body’s natural defense mechanisms.
Targeted Therapy:
In contrast, targeted therapy can enhance the immune system. It achieves this by marking cancer cells, making them more visible to the immune system, or by directly boosting the body’s immune response against the cancer, offering a dual-pronged approach to fighting the disease.
6. Resistance Development
Resistance in both targeted therapy and chemotherapy can arise as cancer cells adapt to the treatments, developing mechanisms that reduce the effectiveness of the initially applied drugs
Chemotherapy:
Resistance is a challenge in chemotherapy, where cancer cells may adapt to the treatment over time, and may turn the initially effective drugs less impactful as the cells develop mechanisms to fight their effects.
Targeted Therapy:
Similarly, in targeted therapy, resistance can occur due to changes in the target proteins that the therapy focuses on, or cancer cells finding alternative pathways for growth.
7. Treatment Schedule
Chemotherapy and targeted therapy have different treatment schedules.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy follows a cyclical pattern, with treatment administered in cycles and intermittent rest periods, the duration of which varies depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated.
Targeted Therapy:
In contrast, the frequency of targeted therapy is contingent on the particular treatment, often given continuously or in cycles, aligning with the unique characteristics of the therapy and the patient’s response.
8. Cost
There is a considerable cost difference between the two therapies.
Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is generally considered more cost-effective compared to targeted therapy, offering a budget-friendly approach to cancer treatment.
Its cost in India starts at 3000 INR and it can go up to 50,000.
Targeted Therapy:
On the other hand, targeted therapy may incur higher costs due to the intricate development and production processes involved in creating drugs specifically tailored to target molecular components in cancer cells.
The cost of targeted therapy in India ranges from 1,80,000 INR and it can up to 3,50,000.
9. Effect on Healthy Cells
Chemotherapy and targeted therapy have contrasting impacts on healthy cells. Here’s how they affect healthy cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy has a broader impact, damaging healthy cells along with cancerous ones, which often results in various side effects due to its effect on rapidly dividing cells.
Targeted Therapy
In contrast, targeted therapy is designed to be more precise, minimizing damage to healthy cells and thereby reducing the overall occurrence and severity of side effects typically associated with cancer treatments.
Conclusion
We have tried to cover all the key differences between targeted therapy and chemotherapy to help you in your decision-making process.
These differences highlight the considerations you need to make while choosing the most effective and personalized approach to fight the challenges of cancer. As medical advancements continue, understanding these distinctions becomes increasingly vital for you to navigate the path toward optimal and tailored cancer care.
FAQs
Q1. Is targeted therapy better than chemo?
It depends on the specific situation and type of cancer. Targeted therapy is often preferred when the cancer has identifiable molecular targets, as it can be more precise with fewer side effects, but the best choice varies based on individual factors and the characteristics of the cancer.
Q2. What is the success rate of targeted therapy?
The success rate of targeted therapy varies widely depending on the type of cancer, the specific molecular targets, and individual patient factors, making it difficult to provide a universal figure.
Q3. Can you do targeted therapy without chemo?
Yes, targeted therapy can be administered without chemotherapy in certain cases, as it is a distinct and focused approach that may be used independently based on the characteristics of the cancer.
Q4. Who is targeted therapy recommended for?
Targeted therapy is recommended for individuals with certain types of cancers where specific molecular targets are identified, allowing for a more tailored and precise treatment approach.
Q5. Is targeted therapy painful?
Generally, targeted therapy is not painful, as it is often administered through intravenous infusion or oral medications, minimizing discomfort during the treatment process.
