Introduction
Cancer treatment has entered a new era, and targeted therapy drugs are leading the charge. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which kills all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy works on the specific genetic or molecular drivers of cancer.
For patients with lung cancer, breast cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, or even rare cancers like bile duct tumors, these medicines are improving survival and quality of life.
In this article, we explore some of the most important targeted therapy drugs currently available, their uses, side effects, costs in India, and financial support options.
Get affordable targeted therapy for blood and solid tumors from Jus’Onco Clinic.
1. Gefitinib – A Game-Changer for EGFR-Positive Lung Cancer
- Use: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with EGFR mutations.
- How it works: Blocks faulty EGFR proteins that fuel cancer growth.
- Common side effects: Diarrhoea, skin rash, fatigue, mouth sores.
- Cost in India: ₹3,000–₹12,000/month (generic versions available).
- Support: Discounts via pharma companies; NGOs help subsidize costs.
Key takeaway: Offers an oral alternative to chemotherapy for eligible patients.
Get access to affordable targeted therapy in Chennai. Consult Jus’Onco Clinic today for personalized cancer treatment and support programs.
2. Ibrutinib – For Leukemia and Lymphoma
- Use: CLL, Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), and Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia.
- How it works: Blocks BTK protein, causing cancer cells to die.
- Side effects: Diarrhoea, fatigue, bleeding risk, joint pain, heart rhythm issues.
- Cost in India: ₹1.5–₹3 lakh/month (generics may reduce cost).
- Support: Patient programs and government schemes.
- Key takeaway: Daily oral pill that offers long-term disease control.
3. Imatinib – Turning Deadly Leukemia into a Chronic Disease
- Use: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), ALL (Ph+), and GIST tumors.
- How it works: Blocks abnormal proteins like BCR-ABL.
- Side effects: Nausea, swelling, cramps, fatigue, rash.
- Cost in India: ₹2,000–₹12,000/month (widely available generics).
- Support: Government hospitals and NGOs ensure affordable supply.
- Key takeaway: Revolutionized leukemia treatment, making CML manageable long term.
4. Lapatinib – A Second Line for HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
- Use: HER2+ breast cancer resistant to trastuzumab.
- How it works: Blocks HER2 and EGFR proteins.
- Side effects: Diarrhoea, rash, fatigue, nausea.
- Cost in India: ₹20,000–₹50,000/month
- Support: Pharma programs and NGO subsidies.
- Key takeaway: Extends survival when first-line HER2 therapy fails.
5. Lenvatinib – For Thyroid, Kidney, and Liver Cancer
- Use: Advanced thyroid cancer, RCC (kidney), and HCC (liver).
- How it works: Blocks VEGF and other proteins to cut off tumor blood supply.
- Side effects: High BP, diarrhoea, weight loss, fatigue.
- Cost in India: ₹40,000–₹1 lakh/month.
- Support: Insurance schemes and NGO help.
- Key takeaway: Expands options for cancers previously resistant to treatment.
6. Lorlatinib – Advanced ALK-Positive Lung Cancer
- Use: ALK-positive NSCLC resistant to earlier ALK inhibitors.
- How it works: Blocks ALK proteins, penetrates brain metastases.
- Side effects: High cholesterol, swelling, mood changes.
- Cost in India: ₹2–₹3 lakh/month (generic expected).
- Support: Pharma programs and NGOs.
- Key takeaway: Vital for patients with brain-spread lung cancer.
7. Neratinib – Reducing Breast Cancer Recurrence
- Use: Post-trastuzumab HER2+ early breast cancer.
- How it works: Blocks HER2 signals from inside cells.
- Side effects: Severe diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue.
- Cost in India: ₹1.5–₹2 lakh/month.
- Support: Access programs, some hospitals provide free cycles.
Key takeaway: Prevents relapse in high-risk HER2+ patients.
Get access to affordable targeted therapy in Chennai. Consult Jus’Onco Clinic today for personalized cancer treatment and support programs.
8. Niraparib – A PARP Inhibitor for Ovarian Cancer
- Use: Ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancers post-chemo.
- How it works: Blocks PARP proteins used by cancer cells for repair.
- Side effects: Fatigue, nausea, blood count drop, high BP.
- Cost in India: ₹2.5–₹3 lakh/month.
- Support: NGO and pharma patient aid programs.
- Key takeaway: Maintenance therapy to prolong remission.
9. Olaparib – BRCA-Targeted for Breast & Ovarian Cancer
- Use: Breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers with BRCA mutation.
- How it works: Stops DNA repair in BRCA-mutated cells.
- Side effects: Fatigue, anaemia, nausea.
- Cost in India: ₹2.5–₹3 lakh/month.
- Support: Patient programs, generics emerging.
- Key takeaway: Extends survival for hereditary cancers.
10. Osimertinib (Tagrisso) – New-Gen EGFR Inhibitor for Lung Cancer
- Use: EGFR-mutated NSCLC, including brain metastases.
- How it works: Targets EGFR-T790M mutation, crosses blood-brain barrier.
- Side effects: Fatigue, diarrhoea, rashes, nail changes.
- Cost in India: ₹1.5–₹2.2 lakh/month.
- Support: AstraZeneca patient programs, NGOs, Ayushman Bharat.
- Key takeaway: Improves survival even in resistant cases.
11. Palbociclib – HR-Positive Breast Cancer
- Use: HR+, HER2- advanced/metastatic breast cancer.
- How it works: Blocks CDK4/6 proteins to slow growth.
- Side effects: Low white blood cells, fatigue, nausea, hair thinning.
- Cost in India: ₹75,000–₹1.2 lakh/month.
- Support: Patient programs and NGO help.
- Key takeaway: Delays chemotherapy, preserving quality of life.
Conclusion
Targeted therapy drugs like Gefitinib, Ibrutinib, Imatinib, and Osimertinib have revolutionized cancer treatment. They not only improve survival but also allow many patients to live with fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy. However, access and affordability remain a challenge. Thankfully, in India, generic drugs, government schemes, and NGO support are bridging the gap, making advanced cancer treatment possible for more patients.
At Jus’Onco Clinic, we believe every patient deserves access to the right treatment at the right cost. Through affordable cancer treatment in Chennai and patient assistance programs, we help families access life-saving drugs without an overwhelming financial burden.
Get access to affordable targeted therapy in Chennai. Consult Jus’Onco Clinic today for personalized cancer treatment and support programs.
1. What is targeted therapy in cancer treatment?
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2. Which cancers can be treated with targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is commonly used for lung cancer (EGFR mutations, ALK+), breast cancer (HER2+), leukemias, lymphomas, ovarian cancer, thyroid cancer, and certain rare tumors like GIST and bile duct cancer.
3. What are the common side effects of targeted therapy drugs?
Side effects vary depending on the drug but may include fatigue, diarrhoea, rashes, nausea, high blood pressure, or low blood counts. They are usually less severe than chemotherapy side effects.
4. How much do targeted therapy drugs cost in India?
Costs range widely—from ₹3,000/month for generics (like Imatinib or Gefitinib) to ₹3 lakh/month for advanced drugs (like Olaparib or Ibrutinib). Support programs, NGOs, and government schemes help reduce expenses.
5. Where can patients access affordable targeted therapy in Chennai?
Patients can consult Jus’Onco Clinic in Chennai, which provides affordable cancer treatment, branded targeted therapy medicines, and access to patient assistance programs to ease financial burden.