What is Targeted Therapy?

At Kathmandu Cancer Center (KCC), we provide precision medicine in the form of targeted therapy — a modern cancer treatment that focuses on specific genes, proteins, or cancer cell environments that drive tumor growth.

Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy affects only cancer cells, reducing harm to healthy tissues and minimizing side effects.

Targeted therapy is like a "smart bomb" for cancer cells—attacking them while sparing healthy cells.

Molecular Precision

Targets specific genetic mutations driving cancer growth.

Fewer Side Effects

Designed to minimize damage to healthy cells and tissues.

How Targeted Therapy Works

Targeted therapy disrupts cancer growth by interfering with specific molecules involved in tumor development and progression.

Blocks Growth Signals

Prevents cancer cells from receiving signals to grow and divide

Stops Blood Vessel Formation

Prevents tumors from creating new blood vessels (anti-angiogenesis)

Delivers Toxins

Carries toxic substances directly to cancer cells

Triggers Immune Response

Activates the immune system to attack cancer cells

Types of Targeted Therapy

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)

Laboratory-made proteins that bind to specific targets on cancer cells, blocking growth signals or marking cells for destruction.

Examples: Trastuzumab, Rituximab
Typically administered intravenously

Small Molecule Inhibitors

Drugs that enter cells and block specific enzymes and proteins that cancer cells need to grow and spread.

Examples: Imatinib, Erlotinib
Usually taken as pills or capsules

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADC)

Targeted drugs carrying chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.

Examples: T-DM1, Brentuximab
Delivers potent chemo directly to cancer cells

Cancers We Treat with Targeted Therapy

Molecular Testing

We test tumors for actionable mutations to determine the most effective targeted therapy for each patient.

Breast Cancer (HER2-positive)

Drugs: Trastuzumab, Pertuzumab
Lung Cancer (EGFR, ALK, ROS1)

Drugs: Osimertinib, Crizotinib
Colorectal Cancer

Drugs: Cetuximab, Bevacizumab

Additional Treatments

Leukemia & Lymphoma

Drugs: Imatinib, Ibrutinib
Kidney Cancer

Drugs: Sunitinib, Pazopanib
Melanoma

Drugs: Vemurafenib, Dabrafenib
Other Cancers

Based on molecular profiling results

Side Effects & Management

Most patients tolerate targeted therapy better than chemotherapy, but possible side effects include:

Skin Rash

Managed with topical creams and medications

Diarrhea

Controlled with diet adjustments and medications

Fatigue

Managed with activity pacing and energy conservation

Blood Pressure Changes

Monitored regularly with medication adjustments

Our Management Approach

Regular monitoring during treatment
Preventive strategies for common side effects
24/7 support for urgent concerns
Personalized symptom management plans

At Kathmandu Cancer Center, we provide side effect monitoring and timely management to keep you safe throughout treatment.

Cost & Availability in Nepal

Availability

Targeted therapy drugs are available in Nepal but may vary in price depending on brand and insurance coverage.

We maintain stock of essential targeted therapy drugs

Special medications can be imported when necessary

Cost Support

Our pharmacy and patient assistance team help find cost-effective options:

Insurance coordination and claims assistance
Financial counseling and payment plans
Import pathways for unavailable medications
Biosimilar options when available

We're committed to making targeted therapies accessible through our patient support programs and financial assistance options.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is targeted therapy different from chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy attacks all rapidly dividing cells, while targeted therapy specifically attacks cancer cells by targeting their unique molecular features.

How long do I need to take targeted therapy?

Treatment duration varies from several months to years, depending on cancer type, response to treatment, and side effects.

Will I need genetic testing before targeted therapy?

Yes, molecular testing of tumor tissue is typically required to identify appropriate targets for therapy.

Are there targeted therapies for all cancer types?

No, targeted therapies are currently available for specific cancers with identifiable molecular targets. Research is ongoing to develop more.

टार्गेटेड थेरापी नेपालमा

काठमाडौं क्यान्सर सेन्टरमा, हामी टार्गेटेड थेरापीको उपचार प्रदान गर्छौं - यो आधुनिक क्यान्सर उपचार हो जसले ट्युमर वृद्धि गर्ने विशिष्ट जीन, प्रोटिन वा क्यान्सर कोषहरूको वातावरणमा केन्द्रित गर्दछ।

यसले कसरी काम गर्दछ

क्यान्सर कोषहरूलाई बढ्ने संकेतहरू अवरुद्ध गर्दछ
ट्युमरहरूलाई खुवाउने नयाँ रक्तनलीहरूको निर्माण रोक्दछ
विषालु पदार्थहरू क्यान्सर कोषहरूमा सीधै पुर्याउँछ
प्रतिरक्षा प्रणालीलाई ट्युमरमाथि आक्रमण गर्न ट्रिगर गर्दछ

हामी टार्गेटेड थेरापीद्वारा उपचार गर्ने क्यान्सरहरू

स्तन क्यान्सर (HER-पोजिटिभ)
फोक्सोको क्यान्सर (EGFR, ALK, ROS1 पोजिटिभ
कोलोरेक्टल क्यान्सर
रक्त क्यान्सर (ल्युकेमिया, लिम्फोमा)
मिर्गौलाको क्यान्सर

हामी नेपालमा उपलब्ध टार्गेटेड थेरापी औषधिहरूको लागत र वितरणमा मद्दत गर्ने सेवाहरू प्रदान गर्दछौं।

Contact Us for More Information

Our team is available to answer your questions about targeted therapy and treatment options

Call Us

01-5091629

Sunday-Friday, 7AM-6PM

9818226237

9818-CANCER

Message Us on WhatsApp

Contact Us

Targeted Anti-Cancer Therapy in Nepal / टार्गेटेड थेरापी