Targeted Therapy vs. Chemotherapy: What's the Difference?
Cancer treatment has come a long way over the years. Among the most well-known therapies is chemotherapy, a powerful tool that attacks cancer cells throughout the body. But in recent years, a more precise approach has emerged—targeted therapy. Understanding the difference between these two treatments can help patients and caregivers make more informed decisions about care.
In this blog, we’ll break down how chemotherapy and targeted therapy work, what sets them apart, and the pros and cons of each.
What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Because it travels through the bloodstream, chemotherapy affects not only tumors but also healthy fast-growing cells—like those in the hair, digestive tract, and bone marrow.
Chemotherapy can be used for different goals:
-
Curative – To completely eliminate cancer
-
Control – To shrink or slow tumor growth
-
Palliative – To ease symptoms and improve quality of life
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a more precise form of treatment. Instead of attacking all fast-growing cells, these drugs zero in on specific genes, proteins, or the environment that cancer cells rely on to grow and survive. This makes it possible to destroy cancer cells with less damage to healthy tissue.
Targeted therapy often depends on biomarker testing—a lab test that identifies mutations or proteins in cancer cells, helping doctors choose the most effective drug.
Key Differences Between Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy
| Feature | Chemotherapy | Targeted Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Kills all fast-growing cells | Targets specific molecules on cancer cells |
| Effect on healthy cells | High (more side effects) | Lower (more selective action) |
| Personalization | One-size-fits-all | Often based on genetic testing |
| Delivery | Usually via IV or pills | Pills, injections, or IV |
| Use | Broad application across many cancers | Used for cancers with specific mutations |
Examples of Targeted Therapy Drugs
-
Imatinib (Gleevec)Used for: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML)Targets: BCR-ABL protein that promotes cancer growth.
-
Trastuzumab (Herceptin)Used for: HER2-positive breast and gastric cancersTargets: HER2 receptor on cancer cells.
-
Erlotinib (Tarceva)Used for: Non-small cell lung cancerTargets: EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) mutations.
Side Effects: How Do They Compare?
Chemotherapy Side Effects:
-
Hair loss
-
Fatigue
-
Nausea and vomiting
-
Low blood counts
-
Mouth sores
-
Increased risk of infections
Targeted Therapy Side Effects:
-
Skin rash or dryness
-
Diarrhea
-
Liver problems (elevated liver enzymes)
-
High blood pressure
-
Blood clotting issues (depending on the drug)
While side effects with targeted therapy are usually milder, they can still be serious and vary depending on the drug and patient.
Final Thoughts
Both chemotherapy and targeted therapy play vital roles in the fight against cancer. Chemotherapy remains a backbone of cancer treatment, especially for fast-growing and advanced cancers. Targeted therapy offers a more refined approach, often with fewer side effects and more effective outcomes—but only when a suitable target is present.
Choosing between the two isn’t always an either/or situation. Many treatment plans include a combination of therapies to attack cancer from multiple angles.
If you or a loved one is navigating cancer treatment, understanding these options—and discussing them with your oncologist—can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.
Knowledge is power, and with today’s advancements in medicine, there’s more hope than ever before.
At NeXtGen Biotech, we provide same-day delivery of anti-cancer medicines in Delhi, ensuring timely access to the medications you need. Contact us to learn more.
