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Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that may be used for cancer.

Find out what it is, what side effects to expect and how Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ can help.

What are targeted therapies?

The aim of targeted therapy is to kill or disrupt cancer cells, but leave normal cells unaffected.

This is different from chemotherapy, which is a type of systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) that affects all cells.

Targeted therapies work in different ways, including: 

• seeking and destroying cancer cells
• interfering with the growth or the blood supply of cancer cells
• encouraging your immune system to attack the cancer cells 
• acting as transport to guide other treatments like chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells

Some targeted therapies are sometimes known as biological therapies.

Side effects

Side effects for targeted therapy can vary. Your doctor or specialist nurse will talk through which ones you are likely to get depending on what therapy you're having.

It's important to let your healthcare team know about any side effects you experience so they can be treated quickly.

The most common is skin changes, including:

• very sensitive skin
• itching
• a rash
• redness

Your healthcare team should give you a leaflet about the specific type of targeted therapy you're having.

You can bring your leaflet to your nearest Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ centre at any time, and our team will talk you through what side effects you might experience. They can also support you with ways to manage these side effects.

Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ is here with you

You might have questions about targeted therapy for cancer, side effects and how you'll manage.

Our cancer support specialists are here listen to your concerns and help you find the information and help that's right for you:

• Find your nearest Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ centre â€“ you don't need an appointment, just come in

Last review: Apr 2026 | Next review: Apr 2029