Targeted therapy

The main advantage of this therapy is the targeted destruction of tumor cells without negatively affecting the healthy cells. Therefore, the application of biological drugs is not associated with side effects that characterize the application of chemotherapy (hair loss, nausea and vomiting, low white blood 

Drug targeting and therapy comprising a monoclonal antibody and the therapy specifically targeted to a specific tumor antigen, or when directed against receptors for growth factors or molecules within the cells involved in the molecular mechanisms of transmission of the activation signal. Likewise, the drugs used in the treatment of hormonal breast cancer and prostate cancer are also a target for therapy, because their effect is specifically directed to the hormone receptor. Once the tumor cells are devoid of hormonal effects potičućeg therein becomes initiated programmed cell death process, leading to a reduction in tumor mass. 

Medicines used in targeted therapy differ in their mechanism of action, ie the specific site in the cell that affect. Some tumor cells express markers that act as antigens, and that can be targeted biological therapy. Apart from the tumor specific markers may also affect tumor growth factors, as well as some important enzymes in the life cycle of tumor cells. Thus we have a group of drugs, called signal transduction inhibitors, such as agents that inhibit specific enzymes and growth factor receptors that are involved in the processes of cell proliferation. Targeted action of these drugs stop the cellular events of growth and multiplication of cancer cells and promotes the decay of these cells (apoptosis). 

Antineoplastic effects can be achieved and the action of the proteins that regulate gene expression and other cellular functions. Gene expression is the combined process comprising a gene transcription into messenger RNA (Eng. Messenger RNA, mRNA), the processing of the mRNA and its translation into protein. The enzyme histone deacetylases involved in the process, and drugs that inhibit its activity may lead to differentiation and destruction of tumor cells. 

Due to the specific genetics and biology of tumor cells create their own network of blood vessels through which they feed, grow and spread through the body. The process is called angiogenesis of tumors, and "smart drugs" are intended precisely to prevent this process.