Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy is a type of drug treatment offered to some people with cancer. If you are having targeted therapy, this information will help you understand how it works, why it is different to chemotherapy and what to expect after you have it.

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What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy is a drug treatment that focuses on specific features of cancer cells. Learn how it may be part of a treatment plan.

Common questions about targeted therapy

Find answers to questions such as will targeted therapy work, what will it cost and how is it given?

Side effects of targeted therapy

Targeted therapy limits damage to healthy cells, but it can still have side effects. Learn about some common side effects.

Types of targeted therapy drugs

Explore the main groups of targeted therapy drugs and how they work.

Gene changes and cancer

Discover how gene changes can lead to cancer and why testing for these gene changes can show which targeted therapy drugs may help.

Questions for your doctorAsk your specialist questions, especially if you're unsure about your treatment. A cancer care coordinator or nurse can also help. To stay organised, you can make a list of questions before your appointments, including these:

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Is targeted therapy available as part of my treatment plan? If not, why not?
Which targeted therapy drug are you recommending? Does it have different names?
Will it be my only treatment, or will I also have other treatments?
How much will targeted therapy cost? Is there any way to reduce the cost if I can’t afford it?
Are there any clinical trials that would give me access to new types of targeted therapy?
How often am I likely to have targeted therapy?
How long will I receive targeted therapy?
Where will I have targeted therapy? Will I need to come to the hospital or treatment centre for an IV infusion or injection, or will I be taking tablets or capsules at home?
If I am taking the treatment at home, can I get the prescription filled at any pharmacy?
What should I do if the pharmacy cannot fill my prescription?
Do I have to be careful with over-the-counter medicines or supplements? What food/drinks should I avoid while taking targeted therapy?
What should I do if I forget to take the targeted therapy drug?
What side effects should I watch out for or report?
Who do I contact if I get side effects?
How can side effects be managed?
Will the drugs affect my immune system?
Can I still have vaccinations?

Podcast: Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy

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This information was last updated in January 2025 . See who reviewed the content.

A/Prof Rohit Joshi, Medical Oncologist, Calvary Central Districts and Lyell McEwin Hospital, and Director, Cancer Research SA; Jenny Gilchrist, Nurse Practitioner – Breast Oncology, Macquarie University Hospital, NSW; Jon Graftdyk, Consumer; Sinead Hanley, Consumer; Lisa Hann, 13 11 20 Consultant, SA; Dr Malinda Itchins, Thoracic Medical Oncologist, Royal North Shore Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, NSW; Gay Refeld, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Breast Care, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, WA; Prof Benjamin Solomon, Medical Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Helen Westman, Lung Cancer Nurse Consultant, Respiratory Medicine and Sleep Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW

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