Cancer has been a leading cause of death worldwide for many years. Although it is prevalent among adults, it is not uncommon in children. Children can get different types of cancer, but the most common are leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and sarcomas.

A considerable number of children diagnosed with cancer are likely to survive because of significant advancements in cancer treatment. One of the recent advancements in cancer treatment is targeted therapy.

What is Targeted Therapy?

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that targets specific proteins, genes, or other substances that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells.

The primary objective of targeted therapy is to destroy cancer cells without harming normal or healthy cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy is less toxic and more specific in its action.

How Does Targeted Therapy Work?

Targeted therapy works in various ways, depending on the specific type of cancer being treated. The most common types of targeted therapy include:.

Monoclonal antibodies: These are laboratory-made antibodies designed to target specific proteins found on cancer cells.
Small molecule drugs: These are drugs that interfere with the proteins that cancer cells need to grow and survive.
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors: These are drugs that block an enzyme that helps repair damaged DNA in cancer cells, leading to their death.

Targeted Therapy in Children’s Cancer Treatment

Targeted therapy is a promising treatment option for children with cancer. It has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of various types of pediatric cancer, including:.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
Neuroblastoma
Wilms tumor
Osteosarcoma

Targeted therapy has also shown promising results in the treatment of other pediatric cancers, such as:.

Medulloblastoma
High-grade glioma
Rhabdomyosarcoma
Ewing sarcoma

Advantages of Targeted Therapy in Children’s Cancer Treatment

Targeted therapy has several advantages over traditional chemotherapy, particularly in children’s cancer treatment. Some of these advantages include:.

Less toxicity: Targeted therapy is less toxic than traditional chemotherapy because it targets specific molecules found on cancer cells, leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Increased efficacy: Targeted therapy is more effective than traditional chemotherapy because it specifically targets the proteins that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Reduced side effects: Targeted therapy has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, including nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and anemia.
Personalized treatment: Targeted therapy is personalized to each patient’s cancer, allowing for more effective treatment and better outcomes.

Challenges of Targeted Therapy in Children’s Cancer Treatment

Despite the advantages of targeted therapy, there are still several challenges to its use in children’s cancer treatment. Some of these challenges include:.

Limited availability: Targeted therapy is not yet widely available for all types of pediatric cancer.
Resistance: Cancer cells can become resistant to targeted therapy, leading to treatment failure.
Cost: Targeted therapy is often more expensive than traditional chemotherapy.
Side effects: Although targeted therapy has fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy, it can still cause side effects, including fatigue, nausea, and diarrhea.

Future of Targeted Therapy in Children’s Cancer Treatment

Despite the challenges, targeted therapy is expected to play an increasingly essential role in children’s cancer treatment in the future.

Researchers are currently exploring new targeted therapies and combinations of therapies to improve efficacy and reduce resistance. Clinical trials are ongoing in various pediatric cancer types to test new targeted therapies. As more targeted therapies are developed and tested, it is likely that they will become a more prominent part of standard cancer treatment for children.

Conclusion

Targeted therapy is a promising treatment option for children with cancer. It specifically targets molecules that contribute to cancer cell growth and survival, leading to fewer side effects and better outcomes.

While there are still challenges to the widespread use of targeted therapy in pediatric cancer treatment, ongoing research and clinical trials hold promise for its future use in treating children with cancer.