How to maximize the efficacy of targeted tumor therapy? Here are 5 key points to know!

Mr. Zhang is a middle-aged entrepreneur who was unfortunately diagnosed with advanced lung cancer due to long-term work pressure and irregular lifestyle. Fortunately, through genetic testing, doctors found that his tumor had a specific gene mutation, which made him a suitable candidate for targeted therapy.

After receiving targeted treatment at the Cancer Center of Hunan Provincial Second People's Hospital , Mr. Zhang's condition was effectively controlled and his quality of life was significantly improved.

Targeted cancer therapy

Ren Dou, director of the Cancer Center of Hunan Second People's Hospital, explained that tumor targeted therapy, as the name implies, refers to a treatment method that uses tumor-related specific molecules as targets and intervenes in these targets through drugs or other substances to block the growth, infiltration and metastasis of tumors. This method is also called "molecular targeted therapy" or "precision medicine."

The main method of targeted tumor therapy

Molecular targeted drugs: These drugs can target specific receptors or signaling pathways on the surface of tumor cells to inhibit the growth and spread of tumor cells. For example, gefitinib targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and bevacizumab targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR).

Immunotherapy: Activates or restores the patient's own immune system to enable it to recognize and attack tumor cells. The most representative immunotherapy is CAR-T cell therapy, which transforms the patient's T cells into CAR-T cells that can recognize tumor cells, thereby achieving precise elimination of tumor cells.

Radionuclide therapy: Radionuclide is used to irradiate tumor cells internally, destroying the DNA structure of tumor cells and inducing apoptosis. This method has significant therapeutic effects on certain specific types of tumors (such as thyroid cancer, neuroendocrine tumors, etc.).

Exploring the “Bull’s-Eye” of Nursing

The escort of precision medication: In targeted treatment, precision medication is the top priority. Nurses need to strictly follow the doctor's orders to ensure that patients take targeted drugs on time and in the right dosage. Monitor patients' medication reactions, detect and deal with adverse reactions in a timely manner, and ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatment.

Diet management nutritionist: A reasonable diet is essential to improve the efficacy of targeted therapy. Nurses need to develop personalized diet plans for patients and encourage them to eat more foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and high-quality protein. At the same time, remind patients to avoid foods that may affect drug metabolism.

Listeners of psychological support: Cancer patients often suffer from great psychological pressure and emotional fluctuations. Nurses need to be listeners to patients and help them relieve negative emotions such as anxiety and depression through psychological counseling and emotional management, so as to build confidence in overcoming the disease.

Guardian of complication prevention: Although targeted therapy is relatively safe and effective, it may still cause a series of complications and adverse reactions. Nurses need to pay close attention to changes in the patient's condition, such as fever, rash, diarrhea and other symptoms. Once an abnormality is found, the nurse should immediately report to the doctor and take appropriate treatment measures.

Detectives who continuously monitor: Since tumor development is a dynamic process, gene mutation and drug resistance may occur at any time. Therefore, nurses need to assist doctors in continuous gene testing and efficacy evaluation. By regularly testing the patient's gene status and tumor marker levels, the treatment plan and medication dosage can be adjusted in a timely manner to ensure the continued effectiveness and safety of targeted therapy.

The success of targeted tumor therapy depends not only on the precise attack of drugs, but also on the all-round support of nursing. Only by precise medication, proper diet, close monitoring of adverse reactions, psychological support and daily care can we ensure the maximum efficacy of targeted therapy and enable patients to go further and more steadily on the road to fighting cancer.

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Wang Fang, Department of Oncology, Hunan Second People's Hospital

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(Edited by YH)