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Treatment and the treatment process

Targeted drugs

Targeted medicines block a specific change that drives the leukaemia cell.

Last updated: ~1 min read
A key and a lock — Targeted drugs
Figure 1.A key and a lock — Targeted drugs

01Short answer

They work when the cell carries a certain mutation or protein, for example BCR::ABL1 in CML, FLT3 or IDH in AML, and the BTK and BCL2 pathways in CLL. Most are tablets and may be taken for a long time. Their side effects differ from chemotherapy.

02Simple explanation

Topic. targeted medicines.

Ask. Your team will explain your own situation.

Write down. Your questions.

Overview. The article “Targeted therapy”.

03Scientific explanation

Biomarker: a test showing whether a medicine fits.

Interactions: many are broken down by liver enzymes; see “Your full medication list and interactions”.

04What happens in the body?

Targeted medicines

They work when the cell carries a certain mutation or protein, for example BCR::ABL1 in CML, FLT3 or IDH in AML, and the BTK and BCL2 pathways in CLL. Most are tablets and may be taken for a long time. Their side effects differ from chemotherapy.

In more detail

Biomarker: a test showing whether a medicine fits. Interactions: many are broken down by liver enzymes; see “Your full medication list and interactions”.

A signal switched off.
Figure 2.A signal switched off.

The overview

This article goes deep into one subject. For the bigger picture, see “Targeted therapy”.

A daily tablet — Targeted drugs
Figure 3.A daily tablet — Targeted drugs

05Targeted medicines: the steps

Four steps.

Test — Biomarker.1TestBiomarker.
Choice — Matching medicine.2ChoiceMatching medicine.
Taking — On schedule.3TakingOn schedule.
Monitoring — Tests.4MonitoringTests.

06Examples

TargetWhereGroup
BCR::ABL1CML, Ph+ ALLTyrosine kinase inhibitors
BTK, BCL2CLLBTK and BCL2 inhibitors
FLT3, IDHAMLFLT3 and IDH inhibitors

07Key terms

Biomarker
A feature measured in the cell.
Inhibitor
A medicine that blocks an enzyme.

08Key points

  • Everyone’s plan is individual.
  • Write down and bring your questions.
  • Report new symptoms early.
  • Do not change medicines yourself.
  • For food, see “Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”.
  • Overview: “Targeted therapy”.

09Frequently asked questions

Is a targeted medicine "gentler" than chemotherapy?

It is different; it has its own side effects.

Is this the same for everyone?

No; the plan depends on the type of leukaemia and your situation.

Where is the overview?

In the article “Targeted therapy”.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is a targeted medicine "gentler" than chemotherapy?

  2. Is this the same for everyone?

  3. Where is the overview?

My questions

12Sources

  1. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  2. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Biomarker Testing / Precision Medicine
  3. MedlinePlus. Leukemia
  4. Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Relapsed and refractory leukemia
  5. World Health Organization. Palliative care
  6. MedlinePlus. Cancer Chemotherapy
  7. American Cancer Society. How Chemotherapy Drugs Work
  8. Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL)
  9. Cancer Research UK. Other ways of having chemotherapy
  10. Macmillan Cancer Support. Intrathecal chemotherapy
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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