Targeted therapy for cancer

Targeted therapy uses medicines to attack specific targets or processes of cancer cells. These medicines help stop cancer cells from growing or spreading. Unlike chemotherapy, they target cancer cells and may cause less harm to normal cells.

Targeted therapy is often given as a pill or put into a vein. It may be used alone. But it's often combined with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy.

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.