Targeting tumor cells
Personalized, targeted therapies (targeted therapies)
Personalized, targeted cancer therapies use drugs that specifically intervene in certain processes that promote the existence and growth of cancer cells. Targeted therapies can be used independently, in parallel or alongside other forms of therapy. The active substances are administered as an infusion, in tablet form or as an injection.
Stopping the progression of the disease
The decision to use personalized, targeted cancer therapy is primarily made in cases of advanced disease. As a rule, targeted therapies are not intended to cure the disease, but primarily to alleviate the symptoms. The aim is to halt the progression of the disease.
The principle of targeted therapies is based on new, advanced diagnostic methods such as the molecular-genetic analysis of tumor tissue or blood. This involves examining tumor cells for their characteristics and specific changes (biomarkers). The drugs used specifically target these changes.
Advantages of targeted therapy
In contrast to chemotherapy, which also affects healthy cells in an unspecific manner, these are largely spared in targeted cancer therapy. Severe stress is often avoided. Although the drugs are used specifically against the underlying tumor type (precision oncology]), side effects of varying severity can occur during the course of treatment.
Individual therapy planning
In the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC) of the six university hospitals in Bavaria, which have joined forces under the umbrella of the Bavarian Center for Cancer Research (BZKF), the focus has been on personalized, targeted therapy for several years and is being further developed across all locations. More and more innovative drugs and forms of therapy are being used. Patients are given the opportunity to discuss their treatment options with experts and draw up an individual treatment plan tailored to their personal situation.
Center for Personalized Medicine (ZPM)
Cancer research has made enormous progress in personalized medicine in recent years. An individual approach that addresses the genetic and molecular characteristics of a tumor has proven to be very promising. This opens a new door to customized cancer treatment, in which the networking of the six Bavarian university hospitals plays a decisive role.
What is Shared Decision Making (SDM)?
Shared Decision Making (SDM) is based on information and co-determination by those affected and is currently being introduced at the BZKF sites. In the SDM process, patients decide together with the responsible experts at the Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCC ) of the six Bavarian university hospitals exactly what a treatment plan looks like and whether adjustments need to be made during the course of treatment.
Telephone cancer counseling
You can also obtain further general information on the subject of cancer therapy via the free BürgerTelefonKrebs: 0800 85 100 80.
Our staff will be happy to answer your questions and help you!
