In this episode, Eoin Tabb takes you beyond traditional chemotherapy, exploring the fascinating world of targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Learn how these cutting-edge treatments are revolutionizing cancer care by precisely targeting cancer cells and harnessing the power of the immune system. Discover the different types of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, their mechanisms of action, and their potential to improve patient outcomes.

Key Points:

• Targeted Therapies:

  
  





• Precision medicine approach

  
  



• Targets specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells

  
  



• Often fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy

  
  





• Types of Targeted Therapies:

  
  





• Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

  
  





• Block communication networks within cancer cells

  
  



• Examples: Imatinib (CML), Erlotinib, Gefitinib (lung cancer)

  
  





• Monoclonal Antibodies

  
  





• Harness the immune system, block growth signals, or deliver toxic payloads

  
  



• Examples: Rituximab (lymphoma), Trastuzumab (breast cancer), Cetuximab (colorectal/head and neck cancers)

  
  





• Hormonal Therapies

  
  





• Disrupt hormone supply lines in hormone-dependent cancers

  
  



• Examples: Tamoxifen (breast cancer), Aromatase inhibitors (breast cancer), Androgen blockers (prostate cancer)

  
  





• Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

  
  





• Combine targeting ability of antibodies with potent cell-killing drugs

  
  



• Examples: Trastuzumab emtansine (breast cancer), Brentuximab vedotin (lymphoma)

  
  





• Proteasome Inhibitors

  
  





• Clog the cellular recycling system in cancer cells

  
  



• Examples: Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Ixazomib (multiple myeloma/lymphoma)

  
  







• Immunotherapy:

  
  





• Empowers the immune system to fight cancer

  
  





• Types of Immunotherapy:

  
  





• Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

  
  





• Release the brakes on the immune system

  
  



• Examples: Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab

  
  





• Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT)

  
  





• Supercharges immune cells to target cancer

  
  



• Example: CAR-T cell therapy

  
  





• Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs)

  
  





• Bridge immune cells and cancer cells for targeted attack

  
  



• Example: Blinatumomab

  
  





• Cancer Vaccines

  
  





• Teach the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells

  
  

Additional Notes:

• Targeted therapies require specific biomarkers to be effective.

  
  



• Immunotherapies are effective in certain cancers but can have unique side effects.

  
  



• Ongoing research is expanding the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

  
  

CPD IIOP Example: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yd3jZv6upddu2V2qP61WdD7xE8joOXHR6ISQ4BNmIGY/edit?usp=sharing

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