Cancer treatment has entered a new era with the rise of targeted therapy, a method that focuses on attacking specific cancer-driving molecules rather than harming healthy cells. This revolutionary approach has transformed outcomes for many patients and continues to evolve with scientific advances. In Kerala, targeted cancer drugs are now widely available, supported by experienced oncologists, advanced diagnostic facilities, and a growing ecosystem of precision-medicine care. At Dr Bibin Francis Oncology, the focus is on helping patients understand their treatment options while providing safe, effective, and evidence-based targeted therapies.

Understanding Targeted Cancer Drugs

Targeted cancer drugs, often referred to as targeted therapy, are designed to attack cancer cells by interfering with specific genetic mutations, proteins, or molecular pathways that allow cancer to grow and spread. They differ significantly from conventional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy tissues.

These drugs work by focusing on cancer’s unique biological characteristics. Depending on the type of cancer, targeted drugs may block growth signals, starve tumours of blood supply, prevent repair of damaged DNA, or mark cancer cells so the immune system can destroy them. Before a patient begins targeted therapy, molecular tests such as gene-mutation analysis, biomarker profiling, or protein expression studies are essential to determine whether the cancer has a suitable target.

How Targeted Therapy Differs From Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy acts broadly on rapidly dividing cells and is associated with side-effects such as hair-loss, nausea, and bone-marrow suppression. Targeted therapy, on the other hand, focuses on cancer-specific mechanisms, making it generally more selective and often better tolerated.

The success of targeted therapy depends on identifying the correct biomarker. If a tumour does not have the required mutation or pathway, the drug will not work. Additionally, side-effects of targeted drugs are different from chemotherapy and may include skin changes, high blood pressure, organ-specific toxicity, and altered wound-healing. Many targeted drugs are taken over long durations, sometimes continuously, as long as they control the cancer effectively.

Why Kerala Is Emerging as a Hub for Targeted Therapy

Kerala’s healthcare system has made significant advances in oncology, providing patients access to modern cancer treatments including targeted drugs. Several factors contribute to Kerala’s growing reputation:

Availability of molecular diagnostic laboratories capable of biomarker testing, genetic profiling, and precision-based reporting.
Skilled oncologists experienced in identifying suitable targets and prescribing the right medications.
Strong multidisciplinary cancer-care teams that include pathologists, radiologists, surgical oncologists, and clinical pharmacologists.
Patient-friendly healthcare settings with transparent communication, structured follow-up, and supportive care systems.
Affordable treatment options compared to many metro cities, without compromising on the level of expertise or technology.

At Dr Bibin Francis Oncology, the goal is to bring precision medicine close to home, ensuring that patients in Kerala have access to world-class targeted treatment options.

How Targeted Therapy Works in Clinical Practice

The journey begins with an in-depth evaluation of the patient’s condition. This includes clinical assessment, imaging, biopsy, and detailed molecular testing. By analysing tumour samples, oncologists determine whether specific genetic alterations or protein expressions are present. These results guide the selection of targeted drugs.

If a suitable target is identified, the oncologist prescribes the corresponding targeted medication. These drugs may be administered orally, intravenously, or as injections depending on the treatment plan. Many patients continue therapy over long periods, provided the disease remains controlled and side-effects are manageable. Regular monitoring is essential to track treatment response and manage any emerging complications.

Targeted therapy is often used alone but may also be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or surgery depending on the cancer type and stage. This multidisciplinary approach helps strengthen results and improve survival outcomes.

Types of Targeted Therapy Used in Kerala

Targeted therapy includes several categories, each designed to interrupt different cancer-driving mechanisms:

Small-Molecule Inhibitors
These drugs enter cancer cells and block specific enzymes or pathways that regulate growth. Examples include tyrosine-kinase inhibitors which are commonly used in lung cancer, blood cancers, thyroid cancer, and some gastrointestinal tumours.

Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)
These lab-engineered antibodies bind to cancer cell receptors and block growth signals or mark cancer cells for immune destruction. They are widely used in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and certain lymphomas.

Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)
These combine a targeting antibody with a chemotherapy agent, delivering treatment directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissues.

Angiogenesis Inhibitors
These drugs slow tumour growth by preventing the formation of new blood vessels.

Targeted Hormonal Therapies
Some cancers depend on hormones for growth; targeted hormonal treatments block these pathways in cancers such as breast and prostate cancer.

Each drug class requires precise diagnostic evaluation to determine suitability, making expert guidance essential.

Accessing Targeted Therapy in Kerala

Patients seeking targeted therapy in Kerala should choose centres with experience in precision oncology. Dr Bibin Francis Oncology emphasises the following:

Comprehensive molecular testing to accurately identify drug targets.
Clear explanation of treatment options and suitability.
Discussion of costs, insurance availability, and government assistance programs.
Personalised treatment planning that considers age, health status, and cancer biology.
Continuous monitoring to track response and manage side-effects.
A supportive and compassionate environment that focuses on both physical and emotional well-being.

With these elements in place, patients can access cutting-edge care without leaving the state.

Challenges and Limitations of Targeted Therapy

While targeted therapy offers transformative benefits, it also comes with challenges:

Not all cancers have identifiable targets.
Resistance may develop over time, requiring changes in treatment.
Side-effects, although different from chemotherapy, can still be serious and require close monitoring.
Some targeted drugs are expensive, making affordability a concern.
Accurate molecular testing is crucial; without it, the therapy may be ineffective.
The field evolves quickly, necessitating constant updates in clinical practice.

These challenges highlight the importance of expert oversight and careful planning throughout the treatment.

Category of Targeted Drug	How It Works	Common Uses	Route of Administration	Key Benefits	Possible Side-Effects
Small-Molecule Inhibitors (TKIs, mTOR inhibitors, CDK4/6 inhibitors)	Enter cancer cells and block specific enzymes or growth pathways that drive cancer cell division.	Lung cancer, breast cancer, thyroid cancer, renal cancers, blood cancers, GIST.	Oral tablets	High specificity, fewer systemic side-effects, long-term oral therapy.	Skin rash, diarrhoea, liver enzyme elevation, fatigue, hypertension.
Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs)	Bind to specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells to block growth signals or allow immune destruction.	Breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lymphoma, head & neck cancers.	Intravenous infusion	Highly targeted action, effective against protein-overexpressing tumours.	Infusion reactions, fatigue, heart-related effects, skin changes.
Antibody-Drug Conjugates (ADCs)	Deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells using a targeted antibody, reducing damage to healthy tissues.	Breast cancer, urothelial cancer, some lung cancers.	Intravenous infusion	Precise targeted delivery, reduced damage to healthy cells.	Low blood counts, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy.
Angiogenesis Inhibitors	Prevent tumours from forming new blood vessels, restricting growth and spread.	Kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, various solid tumours.	Oral or IV depending on drug	Slows tumour growth, works well with chemotherapy.	High blood pressure, bleeding risk, slow wound healing, fatigue.
Targeted Hormonal Therapies	Block hormone receptors or reduce hormone production that fuels certain cancers.	Breast cancer, prostate cancer.	Oral tablets or injections	Well-tolerated, effective for hormone-dependent tumours.	Hot flashes, bone thinning, weight gain, mood changes.
Immunotherapy with Targeted Action (Checkpoint Inhibitors)	Help the immune system recognize and destroy cancer cells by blocking immune “brake proteins.”	Lung cancer, melanoma, kidney cancer, lymphoma, several advanced cancers.	Intravenous infusion	Durable long-term responses in many cancers.	Immune-related side-effects, inflammation of organs, fatigue.
PARP Inhibitors (DNA Repair Blockers)	Prevent cancer cells from repairing damaged DNA, leading to cell death.	Ovarian cancer, breast cancer (with BRCA mutations), some prostate cancers.	Oral tablets	Effective in genetically-driven cancers, prolonged disease control.	Anaemia, nausea, fatigue, digestive issues.
EGFR/ALK/ROS1/RET Targeted Drugs	Block specific genetic mutations found in some cancers, especially lung cancers.	Non-small cell lung cancer (mutation-driven)	Oral	Rapid response, significant symptom relief, strong precision effect.	Skin rash, diarrhoea, liver toxicity.

What are targeted cancer drugs?

They are medications designed to attack specific genetic or molecular features of cancer cells.

Will targeted therapy work for all cancers?

No. Only cancers with specific mutations or biomarkers respond to targeted therapy.

Are side-effects milder than chemotherapy?

They are different rather than milder. Some patients find them easier to tolerate, but targeted drugs also have their own unique risks.

How long will treatment continue?

It varies. Some patients stay on targeted therapy for months or years depending on the cancer’s behaviour.

Can targeted therapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes. Many treatment plans combine targeted therapy with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy for better results.

Conclusion

Targeted cancer therapy represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in oncology, offering personalised and more precise treatment compared to traditional approaches. Kerala has rapidly adapted to this modern form of care, making advanced targeted drugs accessible through expert oncology practices and well-equipped medical centres. At Dr Bibin Francis Oncology, the emphasis is on accurate diagnosis, careful treatment planning, and compassionate patient support, ensuring that targeted therapy delivers its maximum possible benefit.

For patients and families navigating cancer treatment, targeted therapy brings new hope and a more tailored path toward recovery and long-term control. If you wish to explore targeted treatment options, a consultation with an experienced oncologist can help guide you toward the most effective plan for your specific cancer type.

Targeted Cancer Drugs in Kerala