Targeted Therapy

What is targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is cancer treatment that uses drugs to attack unique aspects of cancer cells, therefore causing little harm to healthy cells. For example, targeted therapies can work by blocking cellular receptors or pathways believed to play a role in the development of cancer, thereby stopping the growth of a tumor.

What targeted therapies are available for pancreatic cancer?
In November 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the targeted therapy drug erlotinib (Tarceva®), in combination with the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine (Gemzar®), for use in advanced pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Erlotinib is currently the only FDA approved targeted therapy drug for pancreatic adenocarcinoma, the most common type of pancreatic cancer.

In May 2011, the FDA approved two targeted therapy drugs, sunitinib (Sutent®) and everolimus
(Afinitor®), for the treatment of advanced pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs). Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors account for less than 5% of all pancreatic tumors.

Other targeted therapies for pancreatic cancer are still under investigation in the laboratory or in clinical trials. Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments in order to find better ways to treat pancreatic cancer. They provide patients the opportunity to receive a promising drug or treatment and are the only way to make progress in treating the disease.

Is targeted therapy given with other treatments?
Erlotinib (Tarceva®) is FDA approved to treat advanced pancreatic cancer in combination with gemcitabine (Gemzar®).

Targeted therapy drugs being studied in pancreatic cancer clinical trials are generally tested in combination with other treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery.

Why are targeted therapies being investigated?
Targeted therapies may someday provide doctors with a way to tailor cancer treatment to the unique tumor properties in each individual patient.

Additionally, because targeted therapies attack specific receptors on cancer cells, they generally do not harm healthy cells. Therefore, they usually cause fewer side effects than other available treatments.

Where can I find information about targeted therapy trials for pancreatic cancer?
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network recommends that all patients consider clinical trials when exploring treatment options. Our Patient and Liaison Services (PALS) program maintains a comprehensive database of all pancreatic cancer clinical trials taking place in the United States. PALS Associates can perform personalized database searches to determine potential eligibility and then provide you with information to discuss with your doctor. To start a personalized clinical trials search, contact a PALS Associate at 877-272-6226 or by email at pals@pancan.org.

The information and services provided by the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. are for informational purposes only. The information and services are not intended to be substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are ill, or suspect that you are ill, see a doctor immediately! The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network does not recommend nor endorse any specific physicians, products or treatments even though they may be mentioned on this site. In addition, please note that any personal information you provide to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's associates during telephone and/or email consultations may be stored in a secure database to assist the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. in providing you with the best service possible. Portions of the constituent data stored in this database may be used to inform future programs and services of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc., and may be provided in aggregate form to third parties to guide future pancreatic cancer research and treatment efforts. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Inc. will not provide personal identifying information (such as your name or contact information) to third parties without your advanced written consent.  130218