Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to act on specific molecules or genetic changes that drive a particular cancer's growth. Unlike standard chemotherapy, which affects dividing cells broadly, targeted therapy aims at features more specific to the cancer. Molecular or genetic testing of the tumor identifies which targets are present and helps match the right drug to the right patient.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Cancers are driven by specific molecular changes — for example a mutated gene or an overactive protein — that fuel their growth. Targeted therapy uses drugs designed to block these specific drivers. Because they aim at features more specific to the cancer than to healthy tissue, targeted therapies often have a different side-effect profile from standard chemotherapy, though they still need careful monitoring.
The key to targeted therapy is matching the drug to the cancer. Molecular and genetic testing of the tumor — sometimes called biomarker testing or molecular profiling — identifies which targets are present, so treatment is given only when a matching target is found. This testing is reviewed by a multidisciplinary tumor board. Targeted therapy may be given as daily tablets or as infusions, often on an ongoing basis for as long as it keeps the cancer under control, and is sometimes combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other treatments.
International patients are supported by a coordinator with a clear plan and a transparent, itemized cost estimate before travel, including any required tumor testing. Because targeted therapy is often taken at home over time, the team explains how treatment and monitoring continue after returning home, and specialists can review pathology and molecular results remotely.
Who is a candidate?
- People whose tumor testing shows a specific molecular target that a drug can act on
- Patients with cancers known to be driven by particular genetic or molecular changes
- Those who may benefit from targeted therapy alone or combined with other treatments
- People with cancer that has spread, where targeted therapy may help control it
- Patients whose tumor board recommends targeted therapy based on molecular profiling
- People seeking a second opinion, including on whether molecular testing has been done
What happens
- 1
Diagnosis and molecular testing
Pathology, imaging and molecular or genetic testing of the tumor identify whether a specific target is present, which determines whether targeted therapy is an option for you.
- 2
Tumor-board planning
A multidisciplinary tumor board reviews the test results and agrees whether targeted therapy is appropriate, and whether to use it alone or combined with other treatments.
- 3
Starting treatment
Targeted therapy is given as daily tablets or by infusion, usually as an outpatient. The team explains the schedule and that treatment often continues for as long as it controls the cancer.
- 4
Monitoring
The team monitors how the cancer responds and watches for side effects specific to the drug, adjusting treatment as needed throughout.
- 5
Follow-up and surveillance
Scans and reviews track the response over time. International patients receive a clear plan for continuing tablets or infusions and monitoring after returning home, coordinated with local doctors.
Benefits
- Acts on molecular features more specific to the cancer than standard chemotherapy
- Matched to the tumor through molecular and genetic testing
- Often available as convenient daily tablets, taken at home
- Can be combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other treatments
- Can be effective for as long as it keeps the cancer under control
Risks & considerations
- Drug-specific side effects, which differ from those of standard chemotherapy
- Only suitable when the tumor has a matching target, identified by testing
- Cancers can sometimes develop resistance to a targeted drug over time
- The need for ongoing monitoring while on treatment
- Side effects are individual and depend on the specific drug used
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Comprehensive Oncology Center.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Targeted Therapy — frequently asked questions
Chemotherapy affects dividing cells broadly, while targeted therapy is designed to block specific molecular changes that drive a particular cancer. As a result it is only used when the tumor has a matching target, and its side effects differ from those of chemotherapy.
Usually, yes. Molecular or genetic testing of the tumor identifies whether a specific target is present, which determines whether targeted therapy is an option and which drug to use. A tumor board reviews these results for your case.
Sometimes. Cancers can develop resistance to a targeted drug, which is why the team monitors the response closely and may change treatment if needed. Your specialist explains what to expect for your specific cancer.
Yes. Share your pathology and any molecular results and our specialists provide an independent opinion — including on whether appropriate testing has been done — before you decide on treatment or travel.
Targeted therapy is often taken on an ongoing basis, as daily tablets or periodic infusions, for as long as it controls the cancer. Your coordinator explains how treatment and monitoring continue at home. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case and any required testing, rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering targeted therapy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.