What are targeted therapies?
Targeted therapies are cancer drugs that utilise special features unique to cancer cells to reduce the growth and progression of cancer. These medications attack specific targets within or on the surface of cancer cells which can block the process of cell reproduction. Each targeted therapy operates different depending on the type of cancer.
Common Side Effects
Side effects to targeted therapies vary significantly between specific drugs and people.
Some common side effects include:
- skin rash
- blistering of hands and feet
- sun sensitivity
- skin redness, dryness, flakiness
It is also possible to experience other side effects, please see the Cancer Council webpage regarding side effects of targeted therapies.
Common Examples of Targeted Therapies
- Trastuzumab
- Pertuzumab
- Rituximab
- Ibrutinib
Exercise Recommendations
There is no current evidence regarding specific exercise recommendations for targeted therapies. However, exercise therapists are encouraged to consider presenting symptoms and side effects of patient’s in their exercise prescription.
For further detail, see the Cancer Council webpage regarding ‘Targeted Therapy‘.