Targeted Cancer Therapy Products Price in Bangladesh

Targeted cancer therapy is a cancer treatment that specifically targets cancer cells by acting on particular genes, proteins, receptors, or biological pathways involved in cancer growth and survival. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which can affect many rapidly dividing cells, targeted treatment is designed to act more selectively on specific features of cancerous cells.

Targeted therapy treats cancer by identifying molecular changes that help abnormal cells grow, divide, spread, or avoid destruction. It is often described as a type of precision or personalized medicine because treatment may be selected according to the biological characteristics of a patient’s tumour.

As part of the Chemotherapy & Immunosuppressants Products category, targeted cancer medicines must only be prescribed and monitored by a qualified oncologist.

How Does Targeted Cancer Therapy Work?

Targeted therapy is a treatment that uses different drugs to target changes in cancerous cells. Depending on the medicine, it may:

• Block signals that encourage cancer cells to grow

• Prevent cancer cells from dividing

• Reduce the formation of blood vessels that supply a tumour

• Deliver cancer-killing substances to specific cells

• Trigger the destruction of abnormal cells

• Block proteins that help cancer cells survive

• Support the immune system in recognising cancer cells

Some targeted medicines affect only the abnormal protein or altered pathway identified in the cancer. However, targeted medicines may still affect healthy cells and cause side effects.

When Is Targeted Therapy Used?

Targeted medicines are one of the main treatments for some cancers. They may be used alone or alongside surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or immunotherapy.

Targeted cancer therapy may be prescribed for:

• Breast cancer

• Lung cancer

• Colorectal cancer

• Kidney cancer

• Liver cancer

• Ovarian cancer

• Prostate cancer

• Thyroid cancer

• Leukaemia

• Lymphoma

• Melanoma

• Gastrointestinal stromal tumours

The suitability of a targeted medicine depends on whether the cancer contains the specific mutation, receptor, protein, or biomarker that the medicine is designed to target.

Biomarker and Genetic Testing

Before targeted treatment begins, doctors may recommend tests on a blood or tumour sample. These tests help identify genetic mutations, proteins, receptors, or other biomarkers that may respond to a particular medicine.

Commonly assessed biomarkers may include:

• HER2

• EGFR

• ALK

• ROS1

• BRAF

• KRAS

• NTRK

• BRCA

• VEGF

• CD20

Not every patient with the same cancer type will have the same molecular changes. Therefore, a medicine that works for one patient may not be suitable for another.

Types of Targeted Cancer Medicines

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors block enzymes that send signals encouraging cancer-cell growth.

Examples include:

• Imatinib

• Erlotinib

• Gefitinib

• Osimertinib

• Sunitinib

• Sorafenib

• Lapatinib

• Crizotinib

Well-known product examples include:

• Glivec or Gleevec – Imatinib

• Tarceva – Erlotinib

• Iressa – Gefitinib

• Tagrisso – Osimertinib

• Sutent – Sunitinib

• Nexavar – Sorafenib

• Xalkori – Crizotinib

Brand names and availability may vary in Bangladesh.

Monoclonal Antibodies

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced proteins designed to recognise specific targets on cancer cells.

Examples include:

• Trastuzumab

• Bevacizumab

• Rituximab

• Cetuximab

• Pertuzumab

Common product examples include:

• Herceptin – Trastuzumab

• Avastin – Bevacizumab

• Rituxan or MabThera – Rituximab

• Erbitux – Cetuximab

• Perjeta – Pertuzumab

Many monoclonal antibody products are given by intravenous infusion or injection in a hospital or specialist treatment centre.

PARP Inhibitors

PARP inhibitors interfere with the ability of certain cancer cells to repair damaged DNA. They may be used for selected cancers with specific genetic changes, including some BRCA-associated cancers.

Examples include:

• Olaparib

• Niraparib

• Rucaparib

Brand examples include:

• Lynparza – Olaparib

• Zejula – Niraparib

• Rubraca – Rucaparib

CDK Inhibitors

CDK inhibitors block proteins involved in cell division and may be used for certain hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers.

Examples include:

• Palbociclib

• Ribociclib

• Abemaciclib

Product examples include:

• Ibrance – Palbociclib

• Kisqali – Ribociclib

• Verzenio – Abemaciclib

Angiogenesis Inhibitors

Angiogenesis inhibitors reduce the development of new blood vessels that help tumours grow.

Examples include:

• Bevacizumab

• Sunitinib

• Sorafenib

• Pazopanib

• Axitinib

These medicines may require regular monitoring of blood pressure, kidney function, liver function, and bleeding risk.

Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer

Some targeted medicines are drugs that target specific parts of lung cancer cells. They may be prescribed when testing identifies changes such as EGFR mutations, ALK rearrangements, ROS1 alterations, BRAF mutations, or other actionable biomarkers.

Examples include:

• Tagrisso – Osimertinib for selected EGFR-mutated lung cancers

• Iressa – Gefitinib for selected EGFR-mutated lung cancers

• Tarceva – Erlotinib for selected EGFR-mutated lung cancers

• Xalkori – Crizotinib for selected ALK- or ROS1-positive cancers

• Alecensa – Alectinib for selected ALK-positive lung cancers

These products should only be used after appropriate molecular testing and specialist evaluation.

How Targeted Cancer Therapy Is Given

Depending on the medicine, targeted therapy may be provided as:

• Oral tablets

• Oral capsules

• Intravenous infusions

• Subcutaneous injections

• Treatment cycles

• Continuous daily treatment

Some patients may receive targeted therapy for several months or years, depending on treatment response, side effects, and disease progression.

Possible Side Effects

Although targeted medicines are designed to act more selectively than conventional chemotherapy, they may still cause significant side effects.

Possible effects include:

• Fatigue

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Skin rash

• Dry or sensitive skin

• Mouth sores

• High blood pressure

• Changes in liver function

• Reduced blood-cell counts

• Increased risk of infection

• Bleeding or blood-clotting problems

• Heart-related complications

• Changes in hair or nails

• Hand-foot skin reactions

The side-effect profile varies according to the specific medicine and biological target.

Important Safety Information

Targeted cancer medicines must only be used under specialist supervision. Patients may require regular blood tests, scans, heart assessments, blood-pressure checks, or other monitoring during treatment.

Inform the oncology team about:

• All prescription medicines

• Vitamins and supplements

• Herbal products

• Existing heart, liver, or kidney conditions

• Bleeding disorders

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Previous cancer treatments

• Any new or worsening symptoms

Some targeted medicines may interact with other medicines, grapefruit products, supplements, or herbal remedies. Do not start or stop any medicine without consulting the oncology team.

Seek urgent medical assistance for breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe bleeding, high fever, facial swelling, yellowing of the skin, sudden weakness, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Order Targeted Cancer Therapy Products Online

Arogga provides access to selected Online Medicines in Bangladesh, including targeted oncology medicines and other Chemotherapy & Immunosuppressants Products from recognised manufacturers.

Most targeted cancer medicines require a valid prescription and specialist approval. Some injections and infusions must be stored under controlled conditions and administered in a hospital or cancer-treatment centre.

Before ordering, verify the active ingredient, strength, dosage form, manufacturer, storage requirements, and prescription details.

Disclaimer: This content is intended for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, cancer diagnosis, genetic testing, or an oncology treatment plan. Targeted cancer therapy must be prescribed and monitored by a qualified specialist.