Targeted therapies are a type of cancer treatment that specifically target certain proteins or molecules that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Here are some of the targeted therapy medications that may be used in the treatment of bowel cancer:

• Cetuximab:
  This medication targets a protein called epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which is found on the surface of some cancer cells. By blocking EGFR, cetuximab can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
• Panitumumab:
  Similar to cetuximab, panitumumab targets the EGFR protein.
• Regorafenib:
  This medication targets multiple proteins involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. It is often used in patients with advanced bowel cancer that has not responded to other treatments.
• Bevacizumab:
  As mentioned earlier, this medication can be used as a targeted therapy by blocking the formation of new blood vessels in tumors, which can slow or stop their growth.
• Ramucirumab:
  This medication targets a protein called vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2), which is involved in the growth of blood vessels that supply nutrients to tumors. By blocking VEGFR2, ramucirumab can help slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.

Like chemotherapy, targeted therapy medications can have side effects, which may vary depending on the drug. Common side effects may include rash, diarrhea, high blood pressure, and fatigue. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of targeted therapy with you before starting treatment.

Immunotherapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to help the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Here are some of the immunotherapy medications that may be used in the treatment of bowel cancer:

Pembrolizumab:
This medication is a type of checkpoint inhibitor, which blocks a protein called PD-1 that is found on certain immune cells. By blocking PD-1, pembrolizumab can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Nivolumab:
Similar to pembrolizumab, nivolumab is a checkpoint inhibitor that targets the PD-1 protein.

Atezolizumab:
This medication targets a protein called PD-L1, which is found on some cancer cells. By blocking PD-L1, atezolizumab can help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Ipilimumab:
This medication targets a protein called CTLA-4, which is found on certain immune cells. By blocking CTLA-4, ipilimumab can help activate the immune system to attack cancer cells.

Durvalumab:
This medication is also a checkpoint inhibitor that targets the PD-L1 protein.

Immunotherapy medications can have side effects, which may vary depending on the drug. Common side effects may include fatigue, diarrhea, rash, and changes in the thyroid gland function. Your doctor will discuss the potential benefits and risks of immunotherapy with you before starting treatment.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It may be used in combination with chemotherapy or surgery for locally advanced bowel cancer.