kohdelääkkeen

Kohdelääke is a Finnish term that translates to "targeted drug" or "precision medicine" in English. It refers to a type of medication designed to interfere with specific molecules that drive cancer growth and progression. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, including healthy ones, kohdelääke treatments are more precise, targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal tissues. This can lead to fewer side effects and potentially more effective treatment outcomes.

The development of kohdelääkkeet is based on a deeper understanding of the genetic and molecular changes that occur within cancer cells. By identifying specific mutations or altered proteins that are crucial for tumor survival and growth, researchers can design drugs that block these pathways. This approach often involves analyzing a patient's tumor to determine which specific targets are present, allowing for a personalized treatment plan.

Kohdelääkkeet can work in various ways. Some drugs may block the signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide, while others might deliver toxic substances directly to cancer cells, or help the immune system recognize and attack the cancer. Examples of targeted therapies include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and PARP inhibitors, which are used to treat a range of cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and certain types of leukemia. The field of kohdelääke is rapidly evolving, with ongoing research continuously identifying new targets and developing innovative treatment strategies.