Targeted therapies: a nursing perspective
1UCLA Clinical Research Unit, University of California-Los Angeles, 10945 Le Conte Avenue, PVUB 3360, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. pkay@mednet.ucla.edu
Objectives:
To review the development of targeted therapies and the biology of relevant therapeutic targets. To analyze the relevance of targeted agents as part of current clinical practice.
Data Sources:
Research articles.
Conclusion:
Several targeted agents are now available for clinical use. Their mechanisms of action are more specific against tumor cells than traditional cytotoxics. Monotherapy regimens based on targeted agents tend to be better tolerated than chemotherapy, and most combination regimens with targeted agents have proven feasible. Their availability has greatly expanded cancer treatment options, especially for chemorefractory patients.
Implications For Nursing Practice:
Nurses involved in the care of patients with cancer can benefit from an increased understanding of targeted therapies, including their mechanisms of action, their efficacy profile, as well as prophylaxis and management of adverse events and administration procedures.
Insights
Targeted therapies offer more specific cancer cell action and better tolerability than traditional chemotherapy. These advancements expand treatment options, particularly for patients resistant to chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Review of targeted therapy development and relevant biological targets.
- Analysis of targeted agents in current clinical oncology practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the evolution of targeted cancer therapies.
- To assess the clinical utility and impact of targeted agents.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of research articles.
- Analysis of preclinical and clinical data on targeted agents.
Main Results:
- Multiple targeted agents are clinically available, offering specific mechanisms against tumor cells.
- Targeted therapies demonstrate improved tolerability in monotherapy and feasibility in combination regimens.
- Expanded cancer treatment options, especially for refractory cases.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
- Enhanced understanding of targeted therapies is crucial for oncology nurses.
- Knowledge of mechanisms, efficacy, adverse events, and administration is vital for nursing practice.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Nursing Interventions II: Selecting and Classifying the Nursing Interventions
Aims Of Nursing
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...

