Biological, Hormonal & Targeted Cancer Therapies

Hormonal Therapy

Hormones are naturally occurring substances in our bodies that stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive tissues, such as the prostate gland or breast. When cancer arises in these tissues, its growth may be influenced by the body’s hormones. One way to fight cancer is to use drugs that block hormone production or change the way hormones work. Like chemotherapy, hormone therapy is considered a systemic treatment since it can affect cancer cells throughout the body.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapies are designed to interrupt the pathways that result in cancer growth. Conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy cancer treatments do not distinguish between cancer cells and healthy cells. Because of this, healthy cells can be damaged in the process of treating the cancer, which can result in serious side effects. Many targeted agents are given in pill form. The oral targeted therapies have specific side effects which your doctor will discuss with you.

Biological and Immune Therapy

Biological therapy is a treatment that uses the body’s own immune system to facilitate the destruction of cancer cells. Biological therapy is also called immunologic therapy, immunotherapy, or biotherapy. Some types of biological therapy are monoclonal antibodies, cytokines, and vaccines.