Targeted therapies can target cancerous cells without affecting healthy tissue, unlike radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Newer medications called targeted therapies may be used along with chemotherapy or sometimes by themselves. For example, some newer medications target proteins that are found more often on cancer cells than on normal cells. These medications have different (and often milder) side effects than standard chemotherapy medications and help people live longer. These include Nexavar® (sorafenib), Torisel® (temsirolimus), Afinitor® (everolimus), Sutent® (sunitinib), and so on.

Radiotherapy, also called radiation therapy, is another common treatment option. With radiation therapy, high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells, relieve pain and pressure, decrease symptoms and improve quality of life. Radiation can be effective treatment when used alone or in combination with chemotherapy, blood and marrow transplantation, or immunotherapy.

A monoclonal antibody is a genetically engineered substance that binds with a specific protein antigen found on the surface of cancer cells to help the body’s general immune response. The monoclonal antibodies is a kind of “smart bomb” that reacts with cancer cells in a way that triggers the body to fight the cancer more effectively.

Monoclonal antibodies include: Rituximab and so on.