What is targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy drugs attack specific features of cancer cells to stop the cancer growing or to reduce its size. Some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are treated with a group of targeted therapy drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Targeted therapy is currently used less often to treat Hodgkin lymphoma.
How monoclonal antibodies work
The body’s immune system makes proteins called antibodies to help fight infections. Monoclonal antibodies are manufactured versions of these natural antibodies. They lock onto a protein on the surface of cells or surrounding tissues to affect how cancer cells grow and survive.
Because they work with the immune system, monoclonal antibodies may also be considered a form of immunotherapy. There are different drugs available, and your haematologist will discuss which combination of drugs is best for your situation.
How treatment is given
Monoclonal antibodies are generally given through a drip into a vein (IV infusion). They are usually combined with chemotherapy and are commonly given in repeating cycles. Talk to your doctor about your specific treatment schedule.
Side effects of monoclonal antibodies
Your doctor will explain the potential side effects before you start treatment. Side effects can include headache, fatigue, low white and red blood cells, flu-like symptoms and an increased risk of abnormal bleeding. You will have regular check-ups during treatment.
Some people react to the infusion process (e.g. nausea, skin rashes and itching) during treatment or several hours after the infusion. Reactions are more common with the first infusion, with the risk declining after every dose. You may be given medicine to help prevent such a reaction.
It is important to report any side effects to your doctor straightaway. If left untreated, some symptoms can become life-threatening.s for Hodgkin lymphoma. Ask your doctor about the latest developments.
Small molecule inhibitors
Small molecule inhibitors are another type of targeted therapy. These drugs can get inside cancer cells and block certain proteins that help cancer cells to grow.
Small molecule inhibitors are used to treat some types of low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma that have not responded to treatment or have come back. In some cases, they may also be an option if you are older.
Some small molecule inhibitors can also help the immune system work better against cancer. This means they can sometimes be s form of immunotherapy (see next page).
These drugs can cause a variety of side effects – your doctor will discuss these with you before you start treatment.
Learn more about targeted therapy.
→ READ MORE: Immunotherapy for lymphoma
Video: What are targeted therapy and immunotherapy?
Watch this short video to learn more about drug therapies, including targeted and immunotherapy (Open Settings 
to turn on auto-generated subtitles in your language).
Podcast: Immunotherapy & Targeted Therapy
More resources
Dr Ian Bilmon, Haematologist, Westmead Hospital and Sydney Adventist Hospital, NSW; Suzanne Basha, Consumer; Jo Cryer, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haematology, St George Hospital, NSW; Jessica Elliott, Senior Social Worker, Youth Cancer Services, Crown Princess Mary Centre Westmead, NSW; Dr Robin Gasiorowski, Haematologist, Concord and Macquarie University Hospitals, NSW; Prof Angela Hong, Radiation Oncologist, Chris O’Brien Lifehouse, Melanoma Institute Australia, GenesisCare, and Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney, NSW; Karen Maddock, CAR T Cell and Cell Therapy Nurse Practitioner, Westmead Hospital, NSW; Jenn Partenfelder, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council NSW; Elise Toyer, Clinical Nurse Consultant Haematology, Blacktown Hospital, NSW.
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