Understanding how targeted therapies work, why they differ from chemotherapy, and how supportive care can help
Targeted therapies have transformed the treatment of many cancers over the last two decades.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects rapidly dividing cells throughout the body, targeted therapies are designed to act on specific molecular characteristics that help cancer cells grow, survive or spread.
These treatments can often provide highly effective cancer control while affecting healthy tissues less than conventional chemotherapy. However, they can still cause side effects and may present unique challenges that can affect quality of life during treatment.
Understanding how targeted therapies work and why side effects occur can help patients feel more informed and prepared throughout their treatment journey.
Understanding Targeted Therapies
What Are Targeted Therapies?
Targeted therapies are medicines designed to identify and interfere with specific biological processes that cancer cells rely upon.
Cancer develops because changes occur within a cell's DNA, altering the signals that normally regulate growth, division and survival.
Many cancers become dependent on particular molecular pathways.
Targeted therapies work by blocking these pathways, slowing or stopping cancer growth while aiming to minimise damage to healthy tissues.
Because they are designed around specific molecular targets, targeted therapies are only effective when those targets are present within the cancer.
This is why modern cancer care often includes genetic or molecular testing before treatment is selected.
How Do Targeted Therapies Work?
Different targeted therapies act in different ways.
Some block growth signals reaching cancer cells.
Others interfere with proteins involved in cell division.
Some prevent tumours from developing new blood vessels.
Others target specific genetic mutations found within cancer cells.
The exact mechanism depends on the treatment being used and the biology of the cancer.
Common Types of Targeted Therapy
Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)
These medicines block enzymes called tyrosine kinases, which help transmit growth signals within cancer cells.
Examples include:
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Imatinib
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Osimertinib
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Erlotinib
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Sunitinib
These treatments are commonly used in certain lung cancers, kidney cancers, gastrointestinal stromal tumours and blood cancers.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors
Tumours require a blood supply to grow.
Angiogenesis inhibitors work by preventing the formation of new blood vessels that feed the tumour.
Examples include:
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Bevacizumab
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Axitinib
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Sorafenib
By restricting blood supply, these treatments can slow tumour growth.
PARP Inhibitors
Some cancers have impaired DNA repair mechanisms.
PARP inhibitors exploit these weaknesses by preventing cancer cells from repairing DNA damage.
Examples include:
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Olaparib
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Niraparib
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Rucaparib
These medicines are commonly used in certain ovarian, breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers.
BRAF and MEK Inhibitors
Certain cancers contain mutations affecting the BRAF pathway.
Targeted therapies may block these abnormal signals and slow cancer growth.
Examples include:
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Dabrafenib
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Trametinib
These treatments are commonly used in melanoma and some other cancers.
Which Cancers Can Be Treated With Targeted Therapies?
Targeted therapies are now used in many cancers, including:
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Breast cancer
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Lung cancer
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Colorectal cancer
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Ovarian cancer
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Kidney cancer
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Melanoma
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Chronic myeloid leukaemia
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Gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST)
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Several other tumour types
Whether a targeted therapy is appropriate depends on the specific molecular characteristics of the cancer.
Why Do Side Effects Occur?
Although targeted therapies are designed to act more precisely than chemotherapy, the molecular targets they affect may also be present in healthy tissues.
As a result, normal biological processes can sometimes be affected.
Because different targeted therapies act on different pathways, side effects vary considerably between treatments.
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms.
Common Side Effects of Targeted Therapies
The pattern of side effects depends on the treatment being received.
Some of the more common challenges include:
Fatigue
Fatigue remains one of the most frequently reported side effects.
It may affect physical activity, concentration and overall quality of life.
Skin Changes
Many targeted therapies affect the skin.
Symptoms may include:
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Dry skin
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Rash
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Sensitivity
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Itching
Certain treatments may produce characteristic acne-like skin eruptions.
Nail Changes
Some patients experience:
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Brittle nails
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Nail inflammation
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Nail discomfort
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Changes in nail growth
These changes can affect comfort and day-to-day activities.
Digestive Symptoms
Depending on the treatment, patients may experience:
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Diarrhoea
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Nausea
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Appetite changes
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Abdominal discomfort
Mouth Problems
Some therapies may increase the risk of:
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Mouth soreness
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Oral discomfort
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Changes in taste
High Blood Pressure
Certain targeted therapies may increase blood pressure and require regular monitoring by the oncology team.
Hand-Foot Syndrome
Some targeted therapies can cause redness, pain, swelling or sensitivity affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
This may affect walking, grip strength and daily activities.
Sleep Disturbances
Physical symptoms, treatment schedules and treatment-related changes may affect sleep quality.
Emotional Wellbeing Disturbances
Living with cancer and long-term treatment can affect confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing.
When Should You Contact Your Oncology Team?
Always follow the advice provided by your oncology team.
Contact your oncology team promptly if you experience:
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A temperature of 38°C or above
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Severe diarrhoea
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Significant skin reactions
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Persistent vomiting
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Sudden breathlessness
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Severe pain
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Rapidly worsening symptoms
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Any symptom specifically highlighted by your treatment team
Early intervention often helps prevent more serious complications.
Why Early Support Matters
Different targeted therapies are associated with different patterns of side effects.
Understanding the treatment pathway allows supportive care to begin before difficulties significantly affect quality of life.
Depending on the treatment being received, proactive support may focus on:
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Fatigue management
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Maintaining physical function
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Skin and nail health
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Digestive support
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Sleep optimisation
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Emotional resilience
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Education and self-management strategies
The aim is to help individuals maintain function, resilience and quality of life throughout treatment.
How Rowan Health Supports Patients Receiving Targeted Therapies
At Rowan Health, support is organised around personalised targeted therapy support protocols rather than standardised treatment packages.
Our goal is not only to support patients who develop treatment-related difficulties, but wherever possible to anticipate challenges and introduce supportive strategies before they significantly affect quality of life.
Step 1 – Understanding the Treatment Pathway
We begin by understanding:
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The cancer diagnosis
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The targeted therapy being received
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Previous treatments
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Current symptoms
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Recovery goals
Different targeted therapies are associated with different patterns of side effects and recovery needs.
Step 2 – Identifying Areas of Vulnerability
Depending on the treatment being received, we assess areas such as:
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Fatigue
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Skin and nail health
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Digestive symptoms
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Sleep disruption
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Physical function
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Emotional wellbeing
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Quality of life
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Recovery capacity
Our aim is to identify potential challenges early and support patients proactively whenever possible.
Step 3 – Building a Personalised Support Protocol
Depending on the individual's needs, the protocol may combine:
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Symptom management
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Rehabilitation
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Recovery support
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Education and self-management strategies
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Selected therapeutic interventions
This may include:
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Rehabilitation and manual therapy
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Acupuncture
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Neuro-coaching
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Lifestyle and recovery support
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Medical homeopathy
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Herbal medicine
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Fatigue-management strategies
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Sleep support
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Survivorship planning
The emphasis is always on selecting the right combination of support for the right person at the right time.
Step 4 – Monitoring, Adapting and Supporting Recovery
Treatment and recovery are dynamic processes.
Protocols are reviewed and adapted as treatment progresses, symptoms change and recovery priorities evolve.
Support during active treatment may differ significantly from that required during rehabilitation, return to work or long-term survivorship.
Our Goal
Our objective is not simply to respond to symptoms as they arise.
It is to provide proactive, coordinated support that helps individuals:
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Maintain function and independence
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Strengthen resilience
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Reduce the burden associated with treatment
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Improve quality of life
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Facilitate recovery and rehabilitation
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Navigate survivorship with confidence
By understanding the treatment pathway, anticipating likely challenges and adapting support over time, we aim to help patients navigate treatment and recovery as successfully as possible.
Areas We Commonly Support During Immunotherapy
Cancer-Related Fatigue
Helping individuals maintain energy, activity levels and daily function.
Sleep Difficulties
Supporting restorative sleep and recovery.
Digestive Symptoms
Supporting comfort and quality of life alongside medical care.
Joint and Muscle Discomfort
Helping maintain mobility and physical function.
Emotional Wellbeing
Supporting resilience, confidence and adaptation throughout treatment.
Recovery and Survivorship
Helping individuals rebuild function and quality of life after treatment.
Understanding Treatment, Recovery and Support
Explore our detailed guides:
Cancer Treatments
➡ Understanding Cancer & Cancer Treatments
➡ Understanding Hormonal Therapy
➡ Understanding Antibody-Based Therapies
➡ Understanding CAR-T Cell Therapy
Treatment challenges
➡ Why Side Effects Happen
➡ Cancer-Related Fatigue
➡ Chemo Brain
➡ Peripheral Neuropathy
➡ Xerostomia (Dry Mouth)
➡ Mucositis
➡ Skin and Nail Changes During Cancer Treatment
➡ Sleep Difficulties
Recovery & Support
➡ Cancer Support & Survivorship
➡ Carers' Wellbeing
➡ Recovery After Cancer Treatment
Need Support?
Every immunotherapy journey is different.
If you would like to discuss supportive care during treatment or recovery, Rowan Health offers personalised consultations designed around your diagnosis, treatment pathway, symptoms and recovery goals.