Targeted (biological) cancer therapy
Cancer medicines that target specific features of cancer cells, given as tablets or infusions, often after testing the cancer to see if a target is present.
✓ Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant · last reviewed September 2026 · next review September 2027 · how we review
In short
- These drugs target specific features of cancer cells; the cancer is often tested first to check the target is present.
- They can work well for the right cancers but do not suit every cancer and are not a guaranteed cure.
- Side effects differ from chemotherapy and vary by drug; some interact with other medicines, supplements and foods.
- If your treatment is tablets, taking them exactly as prescribed and reporting side effects matters.
A plain-English summary. The detail — including risks and recovery — is below.
At a glance
A general guide. Your specialist will give you advice for your situation.
Can shrink or control cancers that carry the right target.
If testing shows the cancer does not carry the target, the drug is unlikely to work and is not appropriate.
You have baseline tests and learn how to take the drug, what side effects to expect, and what to report.
Clear, written instructions on how to take the drug and what to avoid.
You have baseline tests and learn how to take the drug, what side effects to expect, and what to report.
Side effects often appear early and can frequently be managed with supportive treatment or dose changes rather...
Blood tests and sometimes heart or other checks make sure the drug is safe to continue.
Scans assess whether the cancer is responding, stable or progressing.
What is targeted (biological) cancer therapy?
Targeted cancer therapy is a group of medicines that work by targeting specific changes inside or on the surface of cancer cells that help the cancer grow and survive. They are sometimes called biological therapies.
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects many fast-dividing cells, targeted drugs aim at particular features — for example a faulty protein or gene change. For this reason, the cancer is often tested first to see whether a suitable target is present; the treatment only works if it is.
There are many types, including monoclonal antibodies (often given as infusions) and 'cancer growth blockers' such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors (often taken as tablets). They are a main treatment for some cancers, such as certain leukaemias and advanced melanoma.
Targeted therapy can be very effective for the right cancers, but it is not a guaranteed cure, does not suit every cancer, and has its own side effects. Some interact with other medicines and foods, so your team needs your full medicine list.
Types, options & approaches
There may be different ways to do this. The right approach depends on the clinical question and your circumstances.
Options at a glance
These are the main approaches described in this guide. The right option depends on the diagnosis, your goals and what your clinician thinks is safe.
Monoclonal antibodies
Laboratory-made antibodies that lock onto a target on cancer cells. Usually given as an infusion. Examples include trastuzumab for some breast cancers.
Cancer growth blockers (tyrosine kinase inhibitors)
Tablets that block signals telling cancer cells to grow and divide, such as imatinib for some leukaemias. Often taken daily at home.
Drugs that block blood vessel growth (anti-angiogenics)
Medicines that stop cancers building the new blood vessels they need to grow.
PARP inhibitors and other DNA-repair blockers
Tablets used for cancers with particular gene changes, blocking the cancer's ability to repair itself.
Preparing for your treatment
- Understand whether the cancer has been tested for the relevant target, and what the aim of treatment is.
- Give your team a full list of medicines, supplements, herbal remedies and over-the-counter products, as many interact.
- Ask specifically about foods or drinks to avoid, such as grapefruit, with some tablets.
- Have baseline blood tests, heart checks or scans if your team arranges them.
- Ask how the drug is taken, when, and what to do if you miss a dose (for tablets).
- Tell your team if you might be pregnant or are breastfeeding.
- Save the contact number for your cancer team or acute oncology service.
What happens
How you have targeted therapy depends on the drug. Some are tablets you take at home, often once or twice a day, continuing for as long as they help. Others are infusions given on a day unit in cycles every few weeks.
Before starting, your cancer is often tested to confirm the target is present, and you have baseline tests. Some drugs need heart, liver or blood monitoring during treatment.
You are reviewed regularly to check side effects and how the cancer is responding, usually with scans and blood tests over weeks to months. If you are taking tablets, your team relies on you to take them correctly and to report side effects, because the dose may need adjusting rather than stopping.
Is this treatment right for me?
A good consultation should explore whether it's the right choice for you now — including reasons to wait or consider something else.
May not be suitable if…
- If testing shows the cancer does not carry the target, the drug is unlikely to work and is not appropriate.
- Some drugs are unsafe for people with particular heart, liver or bleeding problems.
- It is not approved for, or effective in, every cancer type.
- Unmanageable interactions with essential other medicines may make a particular drug unsuitable.
Delay or rearrange if…
- You have an active, uncontrolled infection.
- You have surgery or a procedure planned, as some drugs impair wound healing and may need pausing.
- Baseline heart, liver or blood results are abnormal and need review.
- You are pregnant or might be, as many targeted drugs can harm a developing baby.
- A medicine review is needed first to manage interactions.
Alternatives to discuss
- Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy or surgery, depending on the cancer.
- Best supportive (palliative) care focused on symptoms and quality of life.
- A clinical trial, where suitable.
- Choosing not to have drug treatment, with support either way.
- Standard NHS treatment rather than private treatment.
Before you decide
Use this as a shared-decision checklist. The aim is not just “can this be done?”, but whether it is right for you, now, with the risks and alternatives clearly understood.
What matters most to me?
Think about symptoms, daily life, work, caring responsibilities, sport, fertility, travel, appearance and anxiety — the right choice depends on your priorities, not just the medical facts.
What are all my options?
Ask about waiting, monitoring, medicines, rehabilitation, a smaller or larger procedure, a different test, NHS referral, or a second opinion where that would help.
What would make me pause?
Active infection, pregnancy, unstable medical problems, smoking, medicines that increase bleeding, poor support at home, or feeling pressured are all reasons to slow down and get tailored advice.
What happens if I do nothing today?
For some problems, waiting is safe; for others, delay can make treatment harder. A good consultation should explain the trade-off in plain English.
Benefits
- Can shrink or control cancers that carry the right target.
- Often spares many healthy cells that chemotherapy would affect, with different side effects.
- Some are tablets taken at home, which can be more convenient.
- Can be very effective for specific cancers, such as some leukaemias and advanced melanoma.
- May be combined with other treatments to improve results in selected situations.
Risks & complications
- Tiredness.
- Skin problems such as rash, dryness, or a sensitive scalp, hands or feet.
- Diarrhoea or other tummy upset.
- High blood pressure with some drugs, needing monitoring.
- Slower wound healing, which matters around surgery or dental work.
- Effects on the heart, liver or thyroid with certain drugs, picked up on monitoring.
- Changes to blood counts, increasing infection or bleeding risk with some drugs.
- Mouth soreness or taste changes.
- Serious bleeding, clots, or holes (perforation) in the bowel with certain drugs.
- Severe skin reactions.
- Serious heart or lung problems with specific drugs.
- Severe allergic or infusion reactions.
Side effects depend heavily on the specific drug, so general advice only goes so far. The most important practical issues are drug interactions (including with everyday medicines, supplements and grapefruit), the need for monitoring of organs such as the heart, and taking tablet treatments correctly. Ask your team for the side-effect and interaction information for your exact drug, and report new symptoms early.
Published figures to discuss
Benefit and side effects differ greatly between the many targeted drugs, the cancers they treat and the individual. The chance of benefit usually depends on whether the cancer carries the target. Reputable sources avoid quoting single response or survival figures, because they vary widely by drug and situation and can mislead. The key safety points are drug-specific side effects, the need for monitoring (for example of the heart with some drugs), interactions, and that cancers can become resistant over time.
| Figure | Reported range | How to interpret it | Source / confidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target not present or result unavailable | Eligibility-dependent | Targeted therapy usually requires molecular, receptor or pathway evidence before use. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Resistance develops | Common long-term reality | Cancers can evolve under treatment pressure; repeat testing or treatment switches may be needed. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Skin, diarrhoea, blood pressure, heart or liver toxicity | Drug-class dependent | Side-effect patterns differ widely between EGFR, VEGF, PARP, CDK4/6, BRAF/MEK and other targeted drugs. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
| Drug interactions with oral agents | Common | Many targeted tablets interact with antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, PPIs and supplements. | Guide sourcesClinical context |
These are literature figures, not a personalised prediction. Your own risks and likely benefits depend on your circumstances, your health, and how your care is carried out and followed up.
What happens afterwards
Targeted therapy is usually given over months, so 'afterwards' means living alongside treatment, managing side effects, and having scans and blood tests to see if it is working.
- Tiredness that varies over the course of treatment.
- Skin and nail changes, or a rash, with many of these drugs.
- Occasional looser stools or mild tummy upset.
- Needing regular blood tests and sometimes heart checks.
- Dose adjustments to find the right balance of benefit and side effects.
Aftercare
- Take tablet treatments exactly as prescribed, at the right times, and do not stop without advice.
- Tell every healthcare professional, including dentists and pharmacists, what you are taking, because of interactions.
- Check before starting any new medicine, supplement or herbal remedy.
- Attend monitoring blood tests and any heart or other checks.
- Report side effects early — the dose can often be adjusted rather than stopped.
- Avoid grapefruit and any other foods your team advises against for your drug.
- Keep your cancer team or acute oncology contact number to hand.
- Clear instructions on how and when to take the drug
- What to do if you miss a dose (for tablets)
- List of medicines, supplements and foods to avoid
- Monitoring blood test and scan appointments booked
- Side effects to report and who to contact
- 24-hour acute oncology / cancer team number saved
- A note to show other healthcare professionals about your treatment
⚠ Get urgent help if…
- Signs of infection such as a high temperature, especially if your blood counts can drop.
- Severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Severe tummy pain (which can rarely signal a serious bowel problem).
- Breathlessness, chest pain, palpitations or swollen legs (possible heart, lung or clot problems).
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Severe skin rash, blistering or peeling.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes, or very dark urine (possible liver problem).
- Feeling very unwell, faint or confused — seek urgent help.
Who to contact: your clinician, clinic or test provider first (keep their number to hand). For urgent advice when you can't reach them, call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.
General guidance — it doesn't replace the specific advice your specialist gives you.
Results & realistic expectations
A good response means scans and blood tests show the cancer shrinking or staying controlled, and for some people targeted therapy works well for a long time. Whether the aim is to try to cure the cancer or to control it depends on your diagnosis.
Targeted therapy only works when the cancer carries the right target, and even then it does not help everyone, and it is not a guaranteed cure. Cancers can also become resistant over time. Your oncologist will judge how well it is working and be honest about what is realistic.
Some targeted treatments keep cancers controlled for a long time, while others work for a period before the cancer adapts and becomes resistant, at which point the plan is changed. Length of benefit varies widely by cancer and drug. Treatment is reviewed regularly with scans and tests.
Related tests, treatments or support
Targeted therapy may be used on its own or combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy or surgery, depending on the cancer. Some combinations improve results; others increase side effects, so the balance is judged for each person.
Follow-up & long-term care
You are reviewed regularly to monitor side effects and response, with blood tests, sometimes heart checks, and scans. For tablet treatments, reviews also check that you are managing the medicine and coping with side effects. Your team should explain how and when to report problems urgently.
- Ongoing blood tests and, for some drugs, heart or thyroid monitoring.
- Regular scans to check the cancer's response.
- Continued care to avoid harmful drug, supplement and food interactions.
- Reviewing and adjusting the dose to balance benefit and side effects.
- Keeping repeat prescriptions organised for tablet treatments.
Repeat, follow-on and what comes next
- Doses are often adjusted to manage side effects rather than stopping treatment.
- Treatment may be paused around surgery or while a side effect is treated.
- If the cancer becomes resistant, the oncologist usually changes to a different treatment.
- Some people switch between targeted drugs as the cancer adapts.
Ask what happens if the result is unclear or needs repeating, and what is included if further tests or follow-up are needed.
What good aftercare looks like
- Clear, written instructions on how to take the drug and what to avoid.
- Regular monitoring (blood tests and, where needed, heart checks) with clear follow-up.
- A named contact and 24-hour acute oncology route for side effects.
- Prompt management of side effects and good coordination with the NHS and the wider cancer team.
What affects the cost
Costs vary a great deal between people and providers, and we don't publish prices. What matters is understanding what drives the cost and making sure your quote is complete. The main things that affect it:
- The specific targeted drug, and whether it is a tablet or an infusion.
- The molecular or biomarker testing needed before treatment.
- How long treatment continues and how many cycles or months are involved.
- Blood tests, heart checks and scans needed for monitoring.
- Day-unit and nursing time for infusions.
- Specialist oncology consultations and follow-up.
- Whether the drug is NHS-approved for your cancer or only available privately.
- The cost of the drug and the expected duration or number of cycles.
- Whether the cancer testing needed beforehand is included.
- Monitoring blood tests, heart checks and scans, and who reports them.
- The oncology consultation and, for infusions, day-unit fees.
- What happens, and what it costs, if side effects need treatment or admission.
- Whether the drug is NICE-approved for your cancer, and how care is coordinated with the NHS.
On the NHS? Many targeted cancer therapies are funded by the NHS for specific cancers where NICE has approved them; other uses may be private or available only within clinical trials, and paying privately does not guarantee a better outcome.
You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including reports, follow-up and what happens if the result is inconclusive — before you decide.
Consent traps and marketing red flags
These are not small details. They are often where patients lose choice, time to reflect, or realistic expectations.
Consent traps
- Not being told that the drug only works if the cancer carries the target.
- Being led to believe it is a guaranteed cure.
- Not receiving clear information on interactions, foods to avoid, and monitoring.
- Unclear instructions for tablets, including what to do if a dose is missed, or who to call out of hours.
Marketing red flags
- Claims that a targeted drug cures cancer or works for everyone.
- Offering targeted therapy without proper testing of the cancer for the target.
- Downplaying side effects, interactions or the need for monitoring.
- Overseas or private clinics promising guaranteed results for large fees.
Choosing a specialist safely
- Check the specialist is on the GMC Specialist Register for this area.
- Make sure they work at a CQC-registered service, and look for membership of the relevant Royal College or professional body.
- You're entitled to time to consider and to have your questions answered before you agree — the specialist who looks after you should explain it, not a salesperson.
- Be wary of pressure: time-limited offers or deposits taken before you've had time to think are red flags, not bargains.
- You're entitled to your total cost in writing — including any follow-up — before you decide.
Questions to ask your medical professional
Take this to your consultation. A good specialist will welcome every one of these.
- Has my cancer been tested for the target this drug acts on?
- Is the aim to try to cure my cancer or to control it, and how likely is it to help?
- What are the main side effects of this specific drug, and how are they monitored?
- Which medicines, supplements or foods must I avoid?
- If it is tablets, how do I take them and what do I do if I miss a dose?
- What happens if the cancer becomes resistant or the drug stops working?
- Is this drug approved for my cancer on the NHS, or is it private or part of a trial?
- Are you on the GMC Specialist Register for this area, and which Royal College or professional body are you a member of?
- Will you be the specialist who carries out my treatment, and who looks after me afterwards?
- What are the risks for someone like me, and how often do your own patients have a problem or need it repeated or redone?
- What does a realistic result look like — and what can this treatment not achieve?
- What are my options, including waiting, doing nothing for now, or choosing a different approach?
- Can I have written information, results and aftercare instructions in a format I can use, including any accessibility or communication support I need?
- What is the total cost in writing, including any follow-ups, and how much time do I have to decide?
Frequently asked questions
How is targeted therapy different from chemotherapy?
Why does my cancer need testing before treatment?
Why do I have to avoid grapefruit or certain medicines?
What happens if I miss a dose of my tablets?
Is it a cure?
Is it available on the NHS?
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How we made this page
Medically reviewed by a GMC-registered consultant. Written in plain English, checked against NHS, NICE, GMC and relevant Royal College / specialist-society guidance, and kept under review. No clinic paid to appear on this page, and we publish no pricing. This is general information to help you prepare — it is not a substitute for advice from your own clinician. How we review our guides →
Source hierarchy: UK regulator and NHS/NICE guidance first, then relevant Royal College or specialist-society guidance, then peer-reviewed evidence for procedure-specific figures where available.
Sources & standards: Cancer Research UK — What are targeted cancer drugs Cancer Research UK — Cancer growth blockers NICE — Cancer treatments guidance On-target side effects of targeted cancer therapies — PMC
Reviews reflect patients' experience of care, not clinical outcomes. For procedure volumes and outcome data see PHIN.
Last medically reviewed 2026-09-21. Spotted something wrong or out of date? Report an error in this guide.
Related guides: Seeing a medical oncologist · Immunotherapy for cancer · Cancer treatment tablets (oral anticancer therapy) · Hormone therapy for cancer · Intravenous infusion treatment (a drip into a vein)