Colorectal Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy

Learn More About Targeted Therapy: Chat with Us | Email Us

Video: Colon Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy

Colon Cancer Targeted Drug Therapy

Listen to medical oncologist Dr. Simeon Jaggernauth briefly discuss two targeted therapies for colon cancer, Avastin^® and Erbitux^®.

Targeted Drug Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Some of the most exciting and promising advances in cancer treatment today are in the field of targeted drug therapy. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), medical oncologists use these cutting-edge treatments to help fight certain types of colorectal cancer.

While standard chemotherapy affects all cells in the body, targeted cancer therapy directs drugs or other specially created substances (e.g., man-made, immune system proteins) mainly at cancer cells. The goals of targeted therapy are to target and attack the cancer cells, and stop the cells from growing, dividing and spreading.

Because targeted therapy specifically seeks out cancer cells, it can avoid harm to healthy cells. In turn, targeted therapy may have less severe side effects than standard chemotherapy, which has a greater impact on normal cells.

Targeted Therapy for Colorectal Cancer

Monoclonal antibody therapy is a targeted drug therapy being used for colorectal cancer treatment at CTCA. Monoclonal antibodies are bioengineered proteins that help leverage the body’s natural immune response to recognize, attack and destroy colorectal cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can be used alone or in combination with colorectal cancer chemotherapy.

Currently, medical oncologists at CTCA are using the following monoclonal antibodies to help treat metastatic colorectal cancer:

Bevacizumab (Avastin^®) aims to prevent the growth of new blood vessels to tumors. This can help cut off a tumor’s blood supply, starving the tumor of the nutrients it needs to grow.
Cetuximab (Erbitux^®) works by binding to a protein called the epidermal growth factor receptor, which exists on the surface of cells. This targeted cancer therapy helps block growth signals from reaching the inside of colorectal cancer cells, putting a stop to their division and growth.
Panitumumab (Vectibix^®) also targets and binds to the epidermal growth factor receptor, preventing growth signals from reaching the inside of colorectal cancer cells. This stops their division and growth.

As protocols for colorectal cancer targeted therapies continue to be approved, CTCA will make every effort to offer new treatment regimens to patients.

Next Topic: Colorectal Cancer Radiation Therapy