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Targeted therapies are medicines to treat cancer. They work differently than standard chemotherapy. Instead of killing all fast-growing cells or keeping them from dividing, targeted therapies work more selectively against cancer cells. They do one of three things:
- They target a gene or protein that causes cancer growth
- They damage cancer cells directly
- They tell your immune system to attack certain cells. This is also called immunotherapy
Prostate Cancer Care Tailored to You
You and your family are our top priority. At Fred Hutch Cancer Center, we offer comprehensive and compassionate care — personalized to you. You'll have access to the latest treatment options, clinical trials and supportive care services.
How Targeted Therapy is Used to Treat Prostate Cancer
Your care team at Fred Hutch Cancer Center may recommend a targeted therapy called a PARP inhibitor if prostate cancer has spread to distant parts of your body or it came back after treatment. The option to get a PARP inhibitor depends on if your prostate cancer cells have certain changes (mutations) in genes. We can test your cancer cells for these mutations through the Prostate Cancer Genetics Clinic. Targeted therapies may be used along with hormone therapy.
Why Choose Fred Hutch for Targeted Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Medical oncologists at Fred Hutch are experts in all forms of medicine to treat cancer, including the latest targeted therapies. They know how to choose and combine drug options to match your needs. Besides standard therapies, we often have clinical trials testing new drugs or new combinations for prostate cancer. So, we can offer you therapies that aren’t offered everywhere.
Your medical oncologist partners with the rest of your Fred Hutch care team. They work closely with your urologic oncologist, radiation oncologist and pathologist. They design a treatment plan for you to target your tumor and have the least impact on healthy tissue. Your medical oncologist also works closely with you to manage any side effects from medicine-based treatments. Your whole team helps you take the best possible care of yourself.
Common targeted therapy drugs for prostate cancer include:
- Rucaparib
- Olaparib
- Talazoparib
- Niraparib/abiraterone
The side effects of targeted therapies depend on the exact therapy you receive. Common side effects include:
- Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Skin rash
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
If your Fred Hutch care team recommends targeted therapy, we’ll explain what to expect based on the medicine you’re getting.
Your care team at Fred Hutch is here to help you prevent or prepare for side effects and to relieve any side effects you have. The most important step you can take is to let your team know what you’re feeling and experiencing. We’ve helped many patients and families through this process and know ways to ease your experience.
Often, there are medicines to help, like anti-nausea drugs. Based on the side effect, there may be a range of other helpful options too, like diet changes, physical therapy and emotional and practical support. Fred Hutch researchers continue to look for the best ways to keep side effects at bay.