It is normal for anyone to feel a great sense of fear and shock when they hear the words "colorectal cancer". However, thanks to the advancements in medicine today, there are many new and successful treatments that can help us cope with such diseases. Today, we are going to talk about a "targeted therapy" method that is different from traditional chemotherapy and specifically targets and attacks cancer cells.
Simply put, what are these Monoclonal Antibodies?
Before we understand this, let's take a look at the amazing defense system that our bodies have. When a germ, such as a bacteria or a virus, enters our bodies, our immune system produces special proteins that can recognize these invaders, attach to them, and destroy them. We call these "bodyguards," or antibodies to be more precise.
Now, these ``Monoclonal Antibodies`` are a type of artificial antibodies made in a lab using special technology. These are made to attack only one specific target. To be precise, they are designed to recognize a specific protein on the surface of a cancer cell, attach to it, and destroy that cancer cell .
This is like a specially trained commando who can find an enemy in a crowded place and attack only that enemy without harming anyone else. Therefore, instead of damaging good cells in the body like regular chemotherapy, this treatment method can be expected to have fewer side effects because it is more specific.
Drugs that stop the growth of blood vessels in cancer (Angiogenesis Inhibitors)
A cancer is not something that just grows. It is like a plant. It needs nourishment to live, to grow, and to grow. To get this nourishment, cancer cells grow new blood vessels around themselves. We call this process ``angiogenesis.`` So, if we stop the blood vessels that supply these "food and drink" to the cancer, we can stop the growth of the cancer, right? That is what we call the class of drugs that do that.
This is how Bevacizumab (Avastin) works:
Bevacizumab (brand name: Avastin) is a key drug in this class. Cancer cells send out a signal that tells them to "build blood vessels." This signal is called vascular endothelial growth factor, or VEGF. What Avastin does is block that signal from reaching the target site. In simple terms, it intercepts the "letter to build blood vessels" sent by the cancer and destroys it.
This stops the cancer from making new blood vessels, which slows the growth of the cancer. This drug is approved for colon cancer that has spread (metastasized) to other parts of the body. Although it cannot completely cure the cancer, studies have found that Avastin, when given with chemotherapy, can extend the survival time of patients by about 5 months .
`Fruquintinib (Fruzaqla)`, `ramucirumab (Cyramza)`, and `ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)` are some of the new drugs that also target `VEGF`.
How is Avastin given? What are the side effects?
Avastin is an intravenous (IV) injection. It is usually given every two to three weeks along with chemotherapy.
It is very important to be aware of the possible side effects of this medication.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Common side effects |
|
| Serious side effects |
|
Drugs that directly affect the growth of cancer cells
Cetuximab (Erbitux) and panitumumab (Vectibix) are two other types of monoclonal antibodies. These work differently. They target a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on the surface of cancer cells.
Think of this `EGFR` as an `On` switch that tells a cancer cell to `divide quickly and grow more.` What the drugs `Erbitux` and `Vectibix` do is sit on this switch and `block` it. Then, the natural signal that tells the cell to grow cannot turn on the switch. In this way, the growth of cancer cells is controlled.
Who is this medicine given to?
Both Erbitux and Vectibix are approved to treat colon cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
The Erbitux vaccine is given once a week, either alone or with the chemotherapy drug irinotecan (Camptosar). The Vectibix vaccine is given every two weeks in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
It is very important that before giving this medicine, a special genetic mutation test is done on your cancer cells to see if this medicine will work for that cancer. These are not suitable for all cancers. Therefore, this test is definitely done.
What are the side effects of Erbitux and Vectibix?
These medications also have specific side effects.
| Common side effects of Erbitux and Vectibix | |
|---|---|
| Skin problems | Acne-like blisters, skin rashes, and dry skin. But the strange thing is, sometimes these skin reactions mean that the drug is working well against cancer. |
| Other side effects |
|
Take-Home Message
- Monoclonal Antibodies are an advanced treatment that specifically targets and attacks cancer cells. They are different from regular chemotherapy treatments.
- Some drugs cut off the blood supply to the cancer, while others block the signaling system that drives cancer cell growth.
- All of these medications have their own side effects. Discuss these openly with your doctor before starting treatment.
- These treatments are not suitable for everyone. Your doctor will decide which treatment is best for you based on the type of cancer you have, how far it has spread, and the results of special genetic tests.
- If you or someone in your family has cancer, don't panic. Talk to your oncologist about all the treatment options available, their pros and cons, and take the courage to face the treatment.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න