Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is different than chemotherapy. Targeted therapy works by killing the veins and arteries supplying the tumor with blood and oxygen. This prevents the cancer from spreading while causing less damage to healthy cells. Often times, targeted therapy works even when the chemotherapy fails to limit the tumor. It is mostly used in elderly patient because they cannot undergo a surgery.
Anti-angiogenesis therapy:
When the tumor increase in size it needs more blood and oxygen and hence, needs more arteries to fulfill the demands. This process of artery formation is called angiogenesis. Anti-angiogenesis prevents the formation of new arteries.
Side effects of targeted therapy:
- Bleeding
- Mouth sores
- Headache
- Low white blood cells count