Targeted Therapy

About targeted therapy

Who should consider targeted therapy?

How does targeted therapy work?

What is the duration of treatment?

How effective is targeted therapy?

Are there any side effects?

Is there anyone who should not have targeted therapy?

Which products are used as targeted therapy?

How much does targeted therapy cost?

 

About targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is used when standard chemotherapy has not been effective. This therapy is not widely available and can only be ordered through specialty pharmacies.

 

Who should consider this therapy?

Liver cancer patients who cannot have liver surgery should consider this therapy.

 

How does this therapy work?

Pills works to target specific cancer cells to inhibit their spreading. As this treatment is designed to damage only the harmful cells, healthy cells are not affected.

 

What is the duration of treatment?

This therapy typically involves taking two pills twice per day, for as long as a doctor advises.

 

How effective is this therapy?

This therapy has been shown to slow the growth of advanced stage liver cancer. On average, it is estimated that patients receiving this treatment live 44% longer, or 3 months longer, than patients who do not utilize this treatment.

 

Are there any side effects?

Side effects of targeted therapy include fatigue, rash, appetite, diarrhea, irritated skin, blisters on palms or soles, high blood pressure, and fertility complications.

 

Is there anyone who should not have this therapy?

• women who are pregnant or nursing
• men or women who wish to conceive, or who are not taking the proper precautions to prevent pregnancy
• patients with poor liver function or squamous cell lung cancer

 

Which products are used as this therapy?

Products used in targeted therapy include: sorafenib (Nexavar®) by Onyx/Bayer, anti-angiogenic drugs and kinase inhibitors.

 

How much does this therapy cost?

Insurance sometimes covers this treatment, at least in part. Contact your healthcare provider for information regarding your exact policy. Costs for targeted therapy without insurance are approximately $2,500-8,000 per month, depending on duration, geographical location, and individual needs.