Targeted Cancer Therapy at Cleveland Clinic

Targeted Cancer Therapy provides specialized cancer treatment using medicines designed to act on specific molecular features, proteins or genetic changes that contribute to cancer growth and survival. Targeted therapies may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy or other treatments. Treatment selection typically depends on the cancer type, stage and results of molecular or biomarker testing.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost of targeted cancer therapy depends on the cancer type and stage, molecular testing, specific targeted medication, treatment schedule, number of treatment cycles, laboratory monitoring, infusion services and follow-up care required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the patient's treatment plan.

Complete Description

What Is Targeted Cancer Therapy?

Targeted Cancer Therapy uses medicines designed to interfere with specific features of cancer cells that help them grow, divide or spread.

Unlike treatments that affect many rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies are developed to act on particular molecular targets.

Who May Need Targeted Cancer Therapy?

Targeted therapy may be considered for selected patients with:

• Newly diagnosed cancer

• Advanced cancer

• Metastatic cancer

• Recurrent cancer

• Cancers with specific molecular alterations

• Tumors with identifiable treatment targets

Targeted Therapy Consultation

A medical oncology consultation may include:

• Cancer history

• Physical examination

• Review of pathology

• Review of imaging

• Cancer staging

• Molecular testing review

• Previous treatment assessment

• Discussion of treatment options

Molecular Testing

Molecular testing is often important when determining whether targeted therapy may be appropriate.

Testing may identify:

• Gene mutations

• Gene rearrangements

• Protein expression

• Biomarkers

• Other molecular abnormalities

Biomarker Testing

Biomarker testing may help identify patients who are more likely to benefit from a particular targeted treatment.

The appropriate testing depends on:

• Cancer type

• Cancer location

• Cancer stage

• Tumor characteristics

• Previous treatment

Targeted Therapy for Genetic Mutations

Some cancers contain genetic changes that can be targeted with specific medicines.

Treatment selection may depend on identifying an appropriate mutation or molecular alteration.

Targeted Therapy for Specific Proteins

Some targeted therapies act against proteins that contribute to cancer cell growth.

Testing may determine whether the relevant protein is present in the tumor.

Oral Targeted Cancer Therapy

Many targeted cancer medicines are available as oral medications.

Patients receiving oral targeted therapy may require:

• Medication education

• Dose monitoring

• Laboratory testing

• Drug interaction assessment

• Side-effect monitoring

• Treatment response evaluation

Intravenous Targeted Therapy

Some targeted therapies are administered through intravenous infusion.

Infusion treatment may involve:

• Medication preparation

• IV administration

• Monitoring during treatment

• Assessment for treatment reactions

• Supportive care

Targeted Therapy With Chemotherapy

Targeted therapy may sometimes be combined with chemotherapy.

Combination treatment depends on the cancer type, molecular characteristics and available treatment evidence.

Targeted Therapy With Immunotherapy

Selected cancers may be treated using targeted therapy together with immunotherapy.

Treatment selection depends on tumor biology and individual clinical circumstances.

Targeted Therapy With Radiation

In selected situations, targeted therapy may be incorporated into a treatment plan involving radiation therapy.

The treatment approach depends on the cancer diagnosis and treatment goals.

Targeted Therapy Before Surgery

For selected cancers, systemic targeted treatment may sometimes be given before surgery.

Potential goals may include:

• Shrinking the tumor

• Controlling microscopic disease

• Improving surgical options

• Evaluating treatment response

Targeted Therapy After Surgery

Targeted therapy may be recommended after surgery for selected cancers when appropriate.

The goal may be to reduce the risk of recurrence or control residual microscopic disease.

Targeted Therapy for Advanced Cancer

Targeted therapies may play an important role in treating selected advanced cancers.

Treatment goals may include:

• Controlling cancer growth

• Shrinking tumors

• Delaying disease progression

• Reducing symptoms

• Maintaining quality of life

Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Cancer

For metastatic cancer, targeted therapy may be used when the tumor contains an appropriate molecular target.

Treatment may focus on controlling cancer throughout the body.

Targeted Therapy for Recurrent Cancer

When cancer returns, specialists may repeat or review molecular testing to determine whether an appropriate targeted treatment is available.

Personalized Cancer Treatment

Targeted therapy is an important component of personalized cancer care.

Treatment planning may incorporate:

• Pathology

• Cancer stage

• Molecular profile

• Biomarkers

• Previous treatments

• Overall health

• Treatment goals

Targeted Therapy Monitoring

Patients receiving targeted therapy may require regular monitoring.

This may include:

• Blood tests

• Imaging

• Physical examinations

• Treatment response assessment

• Side-effect evaluation

Targeted Therapy Side Effects

Side effects vary according to the specific medication.

Potential effects may include:

• Fatigue

• Skin changes

• Diarrhea

• Nausea

• Changes in blood counts

• Liver-related laboratory abnormalities

• Other medication-specific effects

Management of Treatment Side Effects

The oncology team may monitor patients and provide appropriate management for treatment-related effects.

Treatment may involve:

• Dose adjustment

• Temporary treatment interruption

• Supportive medications

• Additional laboratory monitoring

• Specialist evaluation when needed

Targeted Therapy Treatment Cycles

The duration and schedule of targeted therapy depend on:

• Medication

• Cancer type

• Treatment response

• Side effects

• Overall treatment plan

Some therapies are given for a defined number of cycles, while others may continue as long as they remain effective and appropriate.

Treatment Response Evaluation

Response to targeted therapy may be assessed using:

• CT scans

• MRI

• PET scans

• Laboratory tests

• Physical examination

• Other cancer-specific assessments

Resistance to Targeted Therapy

Cancer cells can sometimes develop resistance to targeted treatment.

When cancer progresses, specialists may consider:

• Repeat imaging

• Additional molecular testing

• Treatment modification

• Alternative targeted therapies

• Other systemic treatments

Targeted Therapy Second Opinion

Patients who have received a recommendation for targeted therapy may seek a targeted cancer therapy second opinion.

Specialists may review:

• Pathology

• Molecular testing

• Biomarker results

• Imaging

• Cancer stage

• Previous treatment

• Proposed targeted therapy

International Patients

International patients should provide relevant cancer records whenever possible.

Useful documents may include:

• Pathology reports

• Biopsy reports

• Molecular testing

• Biomarker reports

• CT scans

• MRI scans

• PET scans

• Previous chemotherapy records

• Previous targeted therapy records

• Surgical reports

• Radiation records

• Current medication list

Benefits of Specialized Targeted Cancer Therapy

Specialized targeted therapy may help:

• Identify molecular treatment targets

• Provide personalized cancer treatment

• Treat selected advanced cancers

• Treat selected metastatic cancers

• Control cancer growth

• Combine targeted therapy with other treatments

• Monitor treatment response

• Manage treatment-related effects

• Evaluate treatment resistance

• Provide targeted therapy second opinions

Why Choose Cleveland Clinic for Targeted Cancer Therapy?

Cleveland Clinic provides multidisciplinary cancer care involving medical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, genetic specialists and other cancer-care professionals.

Targeted treatment planning can incorporate molecular testing, pathology, imaging, cancer staging and previous treatment history to support individualized therapy selection.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

The total cost of targeted cancer therapy depends on the specific medication, treatment schedule and monitoring requirements.

Potential costs may include:

• Medical oncology consultation

• Pathology review

• Molecular testing

• Biomarker testing

• Laboratory testing

• Imaging

• Targeted cancer medicines

• Infusion services

• Supportive medications

• Side-effect management

• Follow-up consultations

• Follow-up imaging

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's individual treatment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is targeted cancer therapy?

Targeted cancer therapy uses medicines designed to act on specific molecular features or proteins involved in cancer growth and survival.

2. Is molecular testing required for targeted therapy?

Often, yes. Molecular or biomarker testing may help determine whether a tumor contains a specific target that can be treated with an available targeted medicine.

3. Can targeted therapy be combined with chemotherapy?

Yes. Selected cancers may be treated using targeted therapy together with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other cancer treatments.

4. Can targeted therapy be used for metastatic cancer?

Yes. Targeted therapy may be an option for selected metastatic cancers when the tumor contains an appropriate molecular target.

5. How much does targeted cancer therapy cost?

Price is available on request. The final cost depends on the targeted medication, molecular testing, treatment duration, laboratory monitoring and follow-up care.

Product Details

Product Name: Targeted Cancer Therapy

Hospital: Cleveland Clinic

Brand: Cleveland Clinic

Country: United States

Specialty: Oncology & Cancer Care

Service Type: Targeted Cancer Therapy

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA