the word cancer It is something that no one wants to hear when thay go to the doctor, however beyond the fear of knowing that it is an incurable disease, it should be noted that there are currently several drugs that allow a high possibility of 100% recovery.
And among the treatments to eliminate cancer cells there is a truly innovative one that has already arrived Mexico and with which the treatment begins Diffuse large B-cell lymphomait’s about Targeted therapy .
But how does targeted Therapy work?
The call Targeted therapy is a treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. Monoclonal antibody therapy, proteasome inhibitor therapy, and kinase inhibitor therapy are the types of targeted therapy used to treat Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
The oncologist Myrna Gloria Candelaria Hernandez explained in conference with AbbVie Mexicothat this type of drug is one of the newest in our country and that it isolates malignant cells to kill them.
«In the first line we use Rituximab, which goes against an antigen called CD20 and which, together with chemotherapy, helps destroy the lymphoma. In the second or third line we can use other types of specific antibodies.They are as if it where a tree with two twigs,the tree is like the trunk,it is a constant area,and each of the twigs has an area that from the medical point of view we call variable,which is the one that is programmed to be directed against the molecule.what we want,” he indicated.
Furthermore, the specialist said that this treatment “It can also be directed against the CD20 antigen like the Rituximab that we used before, but in addition the other twig, the other single variable has the ability to bind to a lymphocyte that we call T and that helps in the destruction of the lymphoma, so it says ‘This is the area where your T cell needs to go and approach and destroy.’”
Recommended for patients who relapse
The specialist also explained that this type of medicine is used especially for those with health problems Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma who have relapsed after several treatments.
“When someone has a lymphoma relapse, it depends on how long it takes to relapse. if it relapses before a year, it is indeed said that it is refractory to first-line treatments, as the time in which it has been disease-free has been very short. If a relapse occurs after that time, we may try to use some of the medications again, we always try to make changes, but some of the medications that were used the first time,” he explained.
And he continued: “But today we also have new and innovative treatments, where patients who have had a relapse in two or more lines of treatment, who finally decrease thier physical performance, their self-sufficiency with more treatments, with more relapses, can use some antibodies that they are also already in our country, which are very very new because they are not even like those that were used or like those that emerged at the beginning of the 2000s, which are directed against a molecule and then the disease we are in is destroyed there by curing “. .
Approved by Cofepris
it was said that this type of new treatments for patients with Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma they were already authorized by Federal Commission for Protection from Health Risks (Cofepris)and that the important thing in all this was the new opportunity offered to all patients who perhaps in the past no longer had options.
“It is indeed critically important to highlight the evolution that treatments have had in recent years, allowing alternatives for those patients who cannot tolerate chemotherapy and whose mechanisms of action help the immune system to control tumor cells precisely and effectively… we continue to advance in researching and developing transformative solutions to make a dramatic impact in the lives of people with cancer,” concluded Dr. Brenda Salinas, Chief Medical Officer at AbbVie Mexico.
In this way, the goal is to help patients suffering from this type of cancer to have an extra option in the form of treatments to be able to control the disease and, if not, cure it.
– What are the main benefits of targeted therapy compared to traditional cancer treatments?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Dr. Myrna Gloria Candelaria Hernandez
Time.News Editor: Welcome, Dr. Candelaria! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the latest advancements in cancer treatment, especially the innovative approach of targeted therapy.
Dr. Myrna Gloria Candelaria Hernandez: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share insights on this promising development in cancer treatment.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Cancer is a word that invokes fear in many. But there are promising treatments, correct?
dr. Candelaria: Absolutely. While the diagnosis is daunting, it’s significant to highlight that there are several effective therapies available today.In fact, some treatments provide high rates of recovery, reaching as much as 100% in certain cases.
Editor: That’s incredibly encouraging. One of the treatments you’ve mentioned is targeted therapy. Could you explain how it works and why it’s so groundbreaking?
Dr. Candelaria: Targeted therapy is a revolutionary approach that uses drugs to specifically identify and attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapies, which can affect healthy cells as well, targeted therapies are designed to hone in on molecular targets associated with cancer. For example, in the case of Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, we have various types of targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibody therapy and kinase inhibitor therapy.
Editor: Fascinating! How does this actually play out in clinical practice?
Dr. Candelaria: Great question! For instance, one of the first-line treatments we use is Rituximab, which targets the CD20 antigen found on the surface of B-cells. When combined with traditional chemotherapy, it helps to effectively destroy the lymphoma cells. In subsequent lines of treatment, we can utilize additional specific antibodies tailored to the cancer’s unique characteristics.
Editor: So, it’s almost like a precision strike against cancer cells instead of a blanket approach?
Dr. Candelaria: Precisely! You can think of it like a tree. The trunk represents the constant area of treatment, while each branch symbolizes the tailored approaches we take for different patient profiles. By isolating malignant cells, we increase the likelihood of effective treatment while minimizing side effects on healthy cells.
Editor: That’s a remarkable analogy! Given that this therapy is relatively new in Mexico, what impact do you believe it will have on the future of cancer treatment in the country?
Dr. Candelaria: The introduction of targeted therapy is a game-changer for patients here. It not only enhances the effectiveness of treatment but also improves patients’ quality of life with fewer side effects. As more clinicians adopt this approach and as we continue to understand the molecular drivers of cancer, I foresee a shift towards more personalized treatments in Mexico’s healthcare system.
Editor: exciting developments on the horizon! For those who may be facing a cancer diagnosis, what advice do you have for them?
Dr. Candelaria: It’s crucial to remain informed and advocate for oneself. Seek second opinions, explore clinical trials, and discuss all available therapeutic options with healthcare providers. Awareness of treatments like targeted therapy can substantially change the treatment landscape.
Editor: Such valuable advice! thank you, Dr. Candelaria, for shedding light on targeted therapy and the hopeful future of cancer treatment in mexico.
Dr. Candelaria: Thank you for having me! It’s important to spread awareness about these advancements and inspire hope in patients and their families.
