Overview

Targeted therapy is a cancer treatment that specifically targets a person’s cancer cells and the molecules which tell the cells to grow and spread.

By attacking these molecules in the cancer cell, targeted therapies can block the abnormal growth of those cells which cause the cancer.

How is targeted therapy different to chemotherapy?

Targeted therapy only targets and attacks cancer cells. Chemotherapy kills all rapidly-diving cancer cells but also attacks the body’s fast-growing healthy cells (such as hair follicles or cells in the mouth).

Some targeted therapies are only available through clinical trials, and not all cancers respond effectively to this treatment. Depending on your cancer, targeted therapy may be used with, or instead of, other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery.

Helpful Links

Medical Concierge

Icon Cancer Centre Singapore support patients in the Asia Pacific region who are seeking to travel for their cancer treatment.
Learn More

Care team

Every member of the Icon team is here to help. Here are some of the team members you may meet and how they will be involved in your treatment.
Learn More

Our doctors

Our doctors deliver personalised, evidence-based care to support patients through their cancer treatment.
Learn More
View all

Search