Testing comes first
Tests on the tumour, and sometimes the blood, look for features a medicine can act on: for example EGFR or ALK changes in lung cancer, HER2 in breast or stomach cancer, or PD-L1 and MSI for immunotherapy. A positive result does not guarantee benefit; Dr. Haritha explains what each finding means for your cancer.
What to expect
Many targeted treatments are tablets taken at home; antibodies and immunotherapy are given by drip. Blood tests, including liver and thyroid tests, are checked before each immunotherapy dose, and scans are done at regular intervals. The first response scan is often after about two to three months.
Side effects to report promptly
- A new cough or breathlessness
- Diarrhoea or tummy pain
- A rash or itching
- Extreme tiredness, yellow eyes or dark urine
Common questions
Does immunotherapy work for every cancer?
No. It works well for some cancers, such as melanoma, some lung, kidney, bladder and head and neck cancers, and cancers with a feature called MSI-high, but poorly for many others. Tests on the tumour help predict who may benefit.
Does targeted therapy have no side effects?
Targeted treatments can cause side effects such as rash, diarrhoea, high blood pressure or changes in liver tests, depending on the drug. Most can be managed.
Is immunotherapy always better than chemotherapy?
Neither is better for everyone. Some cancers respond best to chemotherapy, others to immunotherapy, and many benefit from a combination.
