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Treating Cancer with Targeted Therapy

Q: Questions for your doctor

Below are some questions to ask your doctor about targeted therapy as part of your treatment plan. Am I a candidate for targeted therapy? Are there any biomarker or genetic tests that can predict if targeted therapy will work for me? What is the name of the targeted therapy that I am taking? What is the goal of this treatment? How long will I be on this targeted therapy? What are some of the side effects I may experience while I'm on targeted therapy? When am I most likely to experience them? If I experience side effects that I cannot tolerate, can I stop the medication, reduce the dose or switch to another medication? What are the serious side effects I should look for? Who should I contact if I experience them? Are there any medications or steps that I can take to avoid or lessen side effects? How will you monitor me while I'm on this medication? What are my options if my cancer comes back while on, or after taking this targeted therapy? What are the long-term effects that I should look for? Who will monitor me for these effects?

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Glossary on

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Using to treat cancer

Targeted therapies are designed to attack or kill cancer cells, while sparing normal cells as much as possible. These therapies are often designed to attach to abnormal proteins, receptors or genes that are found in high quantities in cancer cells or the surrounding tissue.

How are targeted therapies selected?

types of targeted therapies

PARP inhibitors

Kinase inhibitors

Monoclonal antibodies

Antibody-drug conjugates

Side effects of targeted therapies

Questions for your doctor

Research studies

In the news

Resources

Image of how targeted therapy works

How are targeted therapies selected?

Some, but not all targeted therapies work best against cancer cells with certain markers or mutations. Two important types of tests can help guide selection of these targeted therapies.

testing involves looking at tumor, blood or other other tissue samples for abnormal markers that might indicate the cancer is likely to respond to a particular . You can learn more about testing for selecting targeted therapies in our Biomarkers sections.
Genetic testing for inherited mutations can also help guide treatment with targeted therapies. PARP inhibitors, for example, are a type of that are most effective for treating cancer in people with a or mutation.

Each drug has different uses. Indications vary by:

type and of cancer.
presence of a mutation or .
number of, and response to prior treatments.

Types of targeted therapies

There is a growing list of FDA-approved targeted therapies for cancer treatment. Many of these drugs are approved across multiple types of cancer as long as the cancer contains the right target or . Drugs that are approved across cancer types are sometimes called pan-tumor or tumor-agnostic therapies.

PARP inhibitors

PARP inhibitors work by blocking a protein used to repair damaged . They were first developed to treat cancers in people with an inherited or mutation. Since then, research and additional approvals have expanded use of PARP inhibitors to more people and situations. Examples of PARP inhibitors include:

Akeega ( and acetate)
Lynparza ()
()
()
()

Kinase inhibitors

Kinases are enzymes (chemicals in the body that allow cells to function and grow). Kinase inhibitors are drugs that are designed to find and block enzymes from functioning. Examples of kinase inhibitors include:

Ibrance (palbociclib)
Kisqali (ribociclib)
Truqap (capivasertib)
Tukysa (tucatinib)

Monoclonal antibodies

Some drugs are classified as both immunotherapies and targeted therapies because they use antibodies to target abnormal proteins or receptors that are found in high quantities in cancer cells or the surrounding tissue. Typically, monoclonal antibody drugs have a chemical name that ends with the letters "mab."

Examples of monoclonal antibodies include:

Avastin (bevacizumab) kills cancer cells by blocking VEGF, a protein that tumors use to make new blood supply.
Herceptin (trastuzumab), and similar anti-Her2 therapies, are monoclonal antibodies that work against the protein, which is found in large amounts on some types of cancer cells.

Antibody-drug conjugates

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are drugs that combine two different types of molecules. An antibody that targets certain features of cancer cells is attached to chemotherapy (sometimes referred to as the "payload"). The antibody binds to the cancer cell and delivers the chemotherapy directly into the cell.

The tables below list some common targeted therapies used in cancer treatment and and the biomarkers that are used in their selection. Clincal trials are studying new agents for treating cancer.

Table of PARP Inhibitors: This table lists different PARP inhibitors and their indications.

Drug	Cancer Type		Use
Lynparza ()	Breast cancer	Early breast cancer at high risk for recurrence	Given for one year as after completion of or chemotherapy and local treatment (surgery and, or radiation).	or inherited mutation ()
Lynparza ()	Breast cancer		For treatment of patients who have previously received chemotherapy, or hormone therapy for patients with hormone receptor disease.	or inherited mutation and
()	Breast cancer		For treatment of breast cancer.	or mutation and
Lynparza ()	Ovarian cancer	3 or 4	maintenance therapy for people who had a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy.	Inherited () mutation in or Tumor (somatic) mutation in or
Lynparza ()	Ovarian cancer	3 or 4	Combined with Avastin (bevacuzimab) for people who had a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy.	in or , or HRD-positive ( Deficiency-positive)
Lynparza () () ()	Ovarian cancer	3 or 4	Second-line or later for people who had a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy.	No needed
()	Ovarian cancer	3 or 4	For people who had a complete or partial response to platinum chemotherapy.	No required
Lynparza ()	Pancreatic cancer		For people whose disease has not progressed on at least 16 weeks of platinum-based chemotherapy.	in or
Akeega ( and acetate)	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	In combination with prednisone for or later treatment of mCRPC.	Inherited or tumor mutation in or based on FoundationOne tumor test
Akeega ( and acetate)	cancer	castration-sensitive cancer (mCSPC)	In combination with prednisone for or later treatment of mCSPC.	Inherited or tumor mutation in based on FoundationOne tumor test
Lynparza ()	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	Combined with Zytiga and prednisone or prednisolone for or later treatment of mCRPC.	in or found through genetic testing, or Tumor or mutation found through tumor testing or
Lynparza ()	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	For treatment of mCRPC which has progressed following treatment with Xtandi () or Zytiga ().	in or , or Tumor mutation in one of the following genes: , , , , , CDK12, , FANCL, , RAD51B, , , RAD54
()	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	For treatment of mCRPC which has been treated with androgen receptor-directed therapy and a taxane-based chemotherapy.	in or found through genetic testing, or Tumor or mutation found through tumor testing or
()	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	In combination with for mCRPC which has not yet been treated in the castration-resistant setting.	Inherited or tumor mutation in one of the following genes: , , , ATR, CDK12, , FANCA, , MRE11A, , , or

Table of Targeted Therapies: This table lists commonly used targeted therapies and their indications.

Drug	Cancer Type		Use		Type of Agent
Afinitor (everolimus)	Breast cancer	or advanced	Combined with exemestane for postmenopausal women with advanced breast cancer which progressed with letrozole or anastrozole.	,	MTOR inhibitor
Afinitor (everolimus)	Pancreatic neuro-endocrine tumors (PNET)	Progressive PNETs	Used to treat PNETs that have progressed on other treatments.	No needed	MTOR inhibitor
Avastin (bevacizumab)	Ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer	2-4	Combined with Lynparza () for maintenance therapy for platinum-sensitive cancer.	() testing	VEGF inhibitor
Avastin (bevacizumab)	Ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer	3-4	Combined with chemotherapy, followed by Avastin as a single agent following initial surgical resection.	No needed	VEGF inhibitor
Avastin (bevacizumab)	Ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer	Recurrent	Combined with chemotherapy for treating platinum-resistant, recurrent disease in people who received no more than 2 prior chemotherapy regimens.	No needed	VEGF inhibitor
Avastin (bevacizumab)	Ovarian, or primary peritoneal cancer	Recurrent	Combined with chemotherapy, followed by Avastin as a single agent, for platinum-sensitive recurrent disease.	No needed	VEGF inhibitor
Avastin (bevacizumab)	Colorectal cancer		Combined with intravenous 5-fluorouracil-based chemotherapy for first-, or second-line treatment.	No needed	VEGF inhibitor
Avastin (bevacizumab)	Colorectal cancer		Combined with chemotherapy for second-line treatment in patients who have progressed on a Avastin-containing regimen.	No needed	VEGF inhibitor
Bizengri (zenocutuzumab)	Pancreatic cancer		For treating pancreatic cancer which got worse or came back on, or after prior treatment.	NRG1 gene fusion	Bi-specific (contains two targets) antibody targeting and HER3 receptors
Braftovi (encorafenib)	Colorectal cancer		Combined with cetuximab, for the treatment of adult patients with colorectal cancer.	BRAF V600E tumor mutation	BRAF inhibitor
Braftovi (encorafenib)	Melanoma		Combined with Mektovi (binimetinib), for the treatment of patients with unresectable or melanoma.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	BRAF inhibitor
Cotellic (cobimetinib)	Melanoma		Combined with Zelboraf (vemurafenib) for the treatment of patients with unresectable or melanoma.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	BRAF inhibitor
Cyramza (ramucirumab)	Colorectal cancer		Combined with FOLFIRI chemotherapy, for treatment after disease progression on, or after prior therapy with bevacizumab, oxaliplatin, and a fluoropyrimidine.	No required	VEGF inhibitor
Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk)	Breast cancer		Treatment for cancers that have progressed after hormone therapy and chemotherapy.	Hormone receptor position (),	Antibody-drug conjugate (chemotherapy attached to antibody targeting TROP-2)
ELAHERE (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx)	Ovarian cancer	3-4	Used as second-line or later treatment of platinum-resistant or platinum-sensitive recurrent ovarian cancer.	Positive for FRα (folate receptor alpha)	Antibody-drug conjugate (chemotherapy attached to antibody targeting FR-α receptor)
Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki)	Breast cancer		Treatment for people who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen either: in the setting. in the or setting and developed a recurrence during or within six months of completing treatment.	overexpression ()	Antibody-drug conjugate
Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki)	Breast cancer		As treatment for people who have tumors that are HER2-low, received chemotherapy in the setting and whose cancer no longer responds to hormonal therapy.	and HER2-low	Antibody-drug conjugate
Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki)	Breast cancer		As treatment for people with , HER2-low or ultralow that came back or got worse after one or more hormone therapies in the setting.	and HER2-low or HER2-ultra low	Antibody-drug conjugate
Enhertu (fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki)	(pan tumor)	or unresectable	For adult patients with unresectable or , solid tumors (including colorectal cancer) who have received prior systemic treatment and have no alternative treatment options.	overexpression ()	Antibody-drug conjugate
Erbitux (cetuximab)	Colorectal cancer		Combined with FOLFIRI for treatment, or combined with irinotecan for cancers that no longer respond to irinotecan-based chemotherapy or as a single agent in patients who have progressed after oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy.	EGFR positive and KRAS mutation negative	EGFR inhibitor
Fruzaqla (fruquintinib)	Colorectal cancer		Used as a single agent when cancer has progressed after treatment with chemotherapy and .	No required	VEGF inhibitor
Herceptin (trastuzumab)	Breast cancer	Early	The treatment of breast cancer.	overexpression ()	Antibody targeting receptors
Herceptin (trastuzumab) and Tukysa (tucatinib) combination	Colorectal cancer	or unresectable	For people who progressed after chemotherapy.	overexpression ()	Antibody targeting receptors and a kinase inhibitor that targets receptors
Ibrance (palbociclib)	Breast cancer		Combined with an aromatase inhibitor as treatment of advanced cancer as initial hormone therapy in postmenopausal women or in men.	and	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the CDK4/6 pathway
Ibrance (palbociclib)	Breast cancer		Combined with Faslodex (fulvestrant) as treatment in postmenopausal women or in men whose disease progressed following endocrine therapy.	and	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the CDK4/6 pathway
Inluriyo (imlunestrant)	Breast cancer		Used alone to treat men or postmenopausal women with , breast cancer, which progressed after at least one line of hormone therapy therapy.	, with an ESR1 mutation	Type of targeted hormonal therapy known as SERD (selective receptor degrader or downregulator)
Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine)	Breast cancer	Early	therapy for people with early breast cancer who still have disease after taxane and treatment with Herceptin	overexpression ()	Antibody targeting receptors
Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine)	Breast cancer		For treatment in people whose cancer got worse after receiving Herceptin and chemotherapy in the following settings: for disease, or as therapy, and experienced disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing therapy.	overexpression ()	Antibody targeting receptors
Kisqali (ribociclib)	Breast cancer		Combined with an aromatase inhibitor for the treatment of pre/perimenopausal or postmenopausal women as initial hormone based therapy.	and	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the CDK4/6 pathway
Kisqali (ribociclib)	Breast cancer		Combined with Faslodex (fulvestrant) for the treatment of postmenopausal women, as initial hormone based therapy.	and	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the CDK4/6 pathway
Krazati (adagrasib)	Colorectal cancer		In combination with cetuximab for locally advanced or colorectal cancer (CRC) that has progressed after treatment with chemotherapy.	KRAS^G12C mutation	against the KRAS^G12C protein
Lenvima (lenvatinib)	Endometrial cancer	Advanced disease	Combined with pembrolizumab, for the treatment of patients whose cancer has progressed after treatment and who are not candidates for surgery or radiation.	Tumors that are not MSI-H or (or ) - they may be referred to as MSI-Low, MSS, pMMR or MMR-P)	known as a tyrosine kinase inhibitor
Mekinist (trametinib)	Melanoma	Unresectable or	As a single agent and in combination with dabrafenib for the treatment of unresectable or melanoma.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	known as a MEK inhibitor
Mekinist (trametinib)	Melanoma	Lymph node positive	Combined with Taflinar (dabrafenib) as treatment of people with melanoma and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	known as a MEK inhibitor
Mektovi (binimetinib)	Melanoma	Unresectable or	Combined with Braftovi (encorafenib), for the treatment of people with unresectable or melanoma.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	known as a MEK inhibitor
Orserdu (elacestrant)	Breast cancer		Used alone to treat men or postmenopausal women with , breast cancer, which progressed after at least one line of hormone therapy therapy.	, with an ESR1 mutation	Type of targeted hormonal therapy known as SERD (selective receptor degrader or downregulator)
Perjeta (pertuzumab)	Breast cancer	Locally advanced, inflammatory or early	Combined with Herceptin (trastuzumab) and docetaxel as treatment before surgery ().	overexpression ()	Antibody targeting receptors
Phesgo (pertuzumab, trastuzumab combined injection)	Breast cancer	Early	Before surgery () treatment for tumors larger than 2 cm or node-positive, or After surgery () treatment for early breast cancer that has a high likelihood of coming back.	overexpression ()	Antibody targeting receptors
Piqray (alpelisib)	Breast cancer		Combined with Faslodex (fulvestrant) as treatment in men or post-menopausal women who progressed on or after treatment with hormone therapy.	, and positive for a PIK3CA tumor mutation	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the PIK3 pathway
Pluvicto (lutetium Lu 177 vipivotide tetraxetan)	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	For treatment of mCRPC which has stopped responding or got worse after treatment with hormonal therapy using an androgen receptor inhibitor and taxane-based chemotherapy.	Imaging with a that looks for cancers with the marker PSMA	Targeted radiation therapy (radioligand therapy)
Retevmo (selpercatinib)	(pan tumor)	or unresectable	Second-line or later treatment for solid tumors for which there are no other treatment options.	RET fusion	Kinase inhibitor
Stivarga (regorafenib)	Colorectal cancer		For treatment of colorectal cancer that has progressed after treatment and for which there are no other treatment options.	No required	known as a multi-kinase inhibitor
Tafinlar (dabrafenib)	Melanoma	Unresectable or	Combined with Mekinist (trametinib) for the treatment of people with unresectable or melanoma.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	known as a BRAF inhibitor
Tafinlar (dabrafenib)	Melanoma	Lymph node positive	Combined with Mekinist (trametinib) as treatment of people with melanoma and involvement of lymph node(s), following complete resection.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	known as a BRAF inhibitor
Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy)	Breast cancer		For breast cancer that progressed, recurred or did not respond to at least two previous lines of treatment.	Triple-negative (, )	Antibody-drug conjugate (chemotherapy attached to antibody found in )
Truqap (capivasertib)	Breast cancer		Combined with fulvestrant as treatment for , advanced or breast cancer which recurred or got worse after standard hormone therapy.	, PIK3 or AKT1 mutation in the tumor	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the AKT pathway
Tukysa (tucatinib)	Breast cancer	or unresectable	In combination with Herceptin (trastuzumab) to treat cancer which has progressed after at least one prior treatment with an anti-HER2 treatment in the setting.	overexpression ()	known as a kinase inhibitor that targets receptors
Vectibix (panitumumab)	Colorectal cancer		Combined with FOLFOX for treatment.	Negative for KRAS and NRAS mutations	that targets a receptor known as EGFR
Vectibix (panitumumab)	Colorectal cancer		As a single therapy following disease progression after prior treatment with fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan-containing chemotherapy.	Negative for KRAS and NRAS mutations	that targets a receptor known as EGFR
Verzenio (abemaciclib)	Breast cancer		Used alone to treat breast cancer that has progressed after treatment with hormone therapy and chemotherapy in the setting.	and	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the CDK4/6 pathway
Verzenio (abemaciclib)	Breast cancer		Combined with Faslodex (fulvestrant) as treatment in women whose disease progressed following endocrine therapy.	and	known as a kinase inhibitor that blocks the CDK4/6 pathway
Vitrakvi (larotrectinib)	(pan tumor)	or unresectable	For treatment in solid tumors for which there are no other treatment options.	NTRK fusion	Kinase inhibitor
Xofigo (Radium 223 dichloride)	cancer	castration-resistant cancer (mCRPC)	For treatment of mCRPC that has spread to the bones but has not to other organs.	No needed	Targeted radiation therapy (radioligand therapy)
Zelboraf (vemurafenib)	Melanoma	Unresectable or	Combined with Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and Cotellic (cobimetinib) in people with melanoma that has the BRAF gene mutation, when the cancer can’t be removed by surgery or has spread to other parts of the body.	BRAF V600E or V600K tumor mutation	known as a BRAF inhibitor

Side effects of targeted therapy

Like any medication, targeted therapies may cause side effects. Although some effects are more common with certain medications, each person's experience may be different. Side effects may vary depending on your general health, the type of agent and dose you are on, other medications you take, the site of your cancer and other factors.

Not all people experience side effects, but those who do may have options for minimizing or eliminating some of them. It's important to talk with your doctor about possible treatment for side effects and how they can be managed. Consider participating in a clinical trial that is looking at new ways to manage treatment side effects.

Some of these effects may improve with medication or other medical interventions. It's important that you report any symptoms or changes in your health to your doctor. You may also report any suspected side effects directly to the online or by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction
Anemia, bleeding and low white blood cell counts
Birth defects
Fatigue
Heart damage
Joint or muscle pain
Mouth and tongue sores
Nausea, vomiting and appetite changes
Rashes
Risk for additional cancers

Allergic reactions

Any therapy can cause an allergic reaction in someone who is sensitive to the medication. Allergic reactions may range from mild to severe. Rarely these reactions can be fatal. Your oncologist may prescribe medication to decrease your risk for severe allergic reactions caused by targeted therapies.

Anemia, bleeding and low white blood cell counts

Some targeted therapies damage bone marrow, where blood cells are made. This can result in too few red blood cells (anemia), too few platelets (thrombocytopenia) and a low white blood cell count (neutropenia).These bone marrow effects can lead to symptoms like fatigue, rapid heart rate, bleeding and increased risk for infection. Most of the time, these changes are mild. Your oncologist may test your blood, to make sure that your blood counts do not drop too low, which could delay treatment.

Birth defects

Many targeted therapies can cause birth defects. People are cautioned not to become pregnant while on targeted therapies. It's important to speak with your doctor about your plans for pregnancy before starting treatment.

Fatigue

Fatigue may be caused by cancer or treatments, including targeted therapies. You should report fatigue to you doctors so they can check and treat you for underlying causes, including depression, sleep disturbances and medication side effects. You may be able to improve your energy level with these suggestions:

making sure that your diet is balanced and provides you with adequate nutrition. Ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist if you need help figuring out your nutritional needs.
making sure that you get adequate sleep.
trying to stay physically active, which can help improve your energy level.

Heart damage

Certain immunotherapies—especially anti-Her2 therapies—can cause heart damage. Your oncologist may run tests to make sure that your heart function is normal before, during and after treatment. Some drugs may help protect the heart from damage caused by these agents. Heart damage caused by treatment can also be minimized by lowering the dose, changing how it is given or switching to different drug.

Joint or muscle pain

Certain targeted therapies may cause joint or muscle pain. Exercise, yoga, and acupuncture may help relieve joint pain. Ask your doctor about whether you can take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories or other medication to improve joint pain caused by these therapies.

Mouth and tongue sores

Some targeted therapies can cause painful sores of the mouth and lips (called stomatitis), which can make eating painful. Certain medications and mouthwashes can help to repair mouth cells, coat the sores or block the pain caused by the sores. Rinsing your mouth with salt or baking soda can also improve mouth sores.

Nausea, vomiting and appetite changes

Several different medications help to reduce nausea during treatment. This can improve appetite, reduce weight loss and support a balanced diet—referral to a nutritionist can help assure that you maintain a balanced diet during treatment. Certain foods may be more or less likely to trigger nausea, vomiting or upset stomach.

Rashes

Some targeted therapies, especially monoclonal antibody drugs, can cause rashes. Rashes may range from mild to severe, depending on the agent.

Risk for additional cancers

Increased risk for certain secondary cancers may occur after treatment. The risk is usually small. Cancers that may be increased include skin cancers and acute myeloid leukemia.

Table of Targeted Therapy Side Effects: This table lists common and serious side effects of different targeted therapies.

Type of Agent	Name of Agents	Common Side Effects	Serious Side Effects
AKT inhibitor	Truqap (capivasertib)	Changes in certain blood tests Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting Fatigue High blood sugar Mouth sores Rash	Severe diarrhea Severe skin rashes Very high blood sugar
Anti-Her2 kinase inhibitor	Tukysa (tucatinib)	Anemia Abnormal liver values in the blood Headache Diarrhea Fatigue Fertility problems Mouth sores Rash Stomach pain	Severe diarrhea Severe liver problems
Anti-HER2 antibody	Herceptin (trastuzumab) & biosimilars (e.g.,Trazimera) Kadcyla (trastuzumab emtansine) Perjeta (pertuzumab) Phesgo (pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and hyaluronidase-zzxf)	Allergic reactions Constipation Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting Fatigue or weakness Fever and chills Hairloss Joint and muscle pain Low blood counts Neuropathy Rash	Heart disease Severe allergic reaction
BRAF and MEK inhibitors	Braftovi (encorafenib) Tafinlar (dabrafenib) Mekinist (trametinib) Mektovi (binimetinib)	Abdominal pain Cough Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and decreased appetite Fatigue Fever and chills Headache High blood pressure Joint pain Pain in the hands and feet Rash	Bleeding problems Eye problems Heart rhythm problems Risk for developing new skin cancers
CDK 4/6 inhibitors	Ibrance (palbociclib) Kisqali (ribociclib) Verzenio (abemaciclib)	Abnormal levels of liver values found in the blood Anemia Fatigue Infections Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite Rash Sore mouth Thinning hair	Heart rhythm problems (Kisqali) Liver damage Low white blood counts Risk for developing new skin cancers Severe lung inflammation
Anti-EGFR antibody	Erbitux (cetuximab)	Diarrhea and nausea Headache Rash and itching Fingernail and toelnail changes Low blood counts Mouth sores Weakness	Severe or fatal allergic reactions Heart attacks Lung disease
Anti-EGFR antibody	Vectibix (panitumumab)	Used alone: Diarrhea and nausea Fatigue Infections at the side of the fingernails or toenails Skin rash When combined with chemotherapy: Abnormal levels of magnesium, calcium and potassium Diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite Mouth sores Skin rash Weakness	Serious allergic reaction Severe skin reactions
Antibody-drug conjugate	Datroway (datopotamab deruxtecan-dlnk)	Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite and belly pain Decreased calcium and increased liver enzymes on blood work Dry eye Fatigue Hair loss Low blood counts Mouth sores Rash	Serious allergic reaction Serious lung disease
Antibody-drug conjugate	Trodelvy (sacituzumab govitecan-hziy)	Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite and belly pain Fatigue Hair loss Low blood counts Rash	Serious allergic reaction Severe skin reactions
Anti-VEGF or VEGF receptor antibody	Avastin (bevacizumab) Cyramza (ramucirumab) Lenvima (lenvatinib) Zaltrap (ziv-aflibercept) Zirabev (bevacizumab)	Back pain Dry skin Headache High blood pressure Nasal symptoms Skin rashes Swelling in the hands and feet Taste changes Too much protein in the urine Watery eyes	Fistula (abnormal connection between organs) Heart problems Nonhealing wounds Stomach or intestinal tears Swelling of the brain Very high blood pressure
MTOR inhibitor	Afinitor (everolimus)	Abnormal levels of sugar or fat in the blood Abdominal pain Cough Delayed wound healing Fatigue Fever Headache Mouth sores Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Infections Low blood counts Respiratory tract infections Skin rash Swelling of hands and feet	Inflammation of the lungs Kidney damage Severe allergic reactions
Multi-target kinase inhibitor	Stivarga (regorafenib) Sutent (sunitinib malate)	Abnormal liver values in the blood Abdominal pain Altered sense of taste Bleeding Delayed wound healing Dry or discolored skin Fatigue Fever Hair color changes Headache Infections Irritation of the throat Joint and muscle pain Mouth sores Nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite Low blood sugar Low thyroid levels Respiratory tract infections Shortness of breath Skin rash Swelling of hands and feet Voice changes or hoarseness Weakness Weight loss	Brain swelling Heart attack Infections Serious bleeding Severe bone loss of lower jaw (Sutent) Severe liver damage Stomach tear
PARP inhibitors	Lynparza () () () ()	Abdominal pain Altered sense of taste Cough Decreased appetite, weight loss Dizziness Fatigue or weakness Fertility problems in men () Fever Headache Joint or muscle pain () Low blood counts Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea Urinary tract infections (Lynparza) Watery eyes	Acute myeloid leukemia (a type of cancer) Blood clots in the lungs (Lynparza) Bone marrow damage (myelodysplastic syndrome) High blood pressure which can become serious () Inflammation of the lungs (Lynparza)
PIK3 inhibitor	Piqray (alpelisib)	Changes in blood test results Fatigue Decreased appetite, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, weight loss Hair loss Low blood counts Mouth sores Skin rash	Severe allergic reaction Severe diarrhea Severe lung inflammation Severe skin reactions Very high blood sugar

Questions for your doctor

Below are some questions to ask your doctor about as part of your treatment plan.

Am I a candidate for ?
Are there any or genetic tests that can predict if will work for me?
What is the name of the that I am taking?
What is the goal of this treatment?
How long will I be on this ?
What are some of the side effects I may experience while I'm on ? When am I most likely to experience them?
If I experience side effects that I cannot tolerate, can I stop the medication, reduce the dose or switch to another medication?
What are the serious side effects I should look for? Who should I contact if I experience them?
Are there any medications or steps that I can take to avoid or lessen side effects?
How will you monitor me while I'm on this medication?
What are my options if my cancer comes back while on, or after taking this ?
What are the long-term effects that I should look for? Who will monitor me for these effects?