Meet Dr. N. A. Siddiqui – Targeted Therapy Doctor in Lucknow
Cancer treatment has entered a new era with the development of Targeted Therapy, a precision medicine approach designed to attack specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy focuses on particular genetic changes or proteins that help cancer cells survive and multiply.
If you are looking for a Targeted Therapy Doctor in Lucknow, Dr. N. A. Siddiqui, Medical Oncologist at Nabeel Cancer Care Centre, provides evidence-based treatment plans that may include targeted therapy when it is appropriate for a patient's cancer type and biomarker profile.
About Dr. N. A. Siddiqui
Dr. N. A. Siddiqui is a Medical Oncologist dedicated to providing personalized cancer care based on current oncology guidelines and scientific evidence.
Qualifications
- MBBS
- MD (Medicine)
- DNB (Medical Oncology)
- MRCP (UK)
- ESMO Certified Medical Oncologist
- Certificate in Immuno-Oncology
- PDCR
Areas of Expertise
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Head & Neck Cancer
- Blood Cancers
What is Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy is a modern cancer treatment that uses medicines to block specific proteins, genes, or signaling pathways that cancer cells rely on to grow and spread. Because these medicines are directed at particular molecular targets, they differ from chemotherapy, which generally affects rapidly dividing cells.
Targeted therapy is not suitable for every patient. It is recommended only after careful clinical evaluation and, in many cases, biomarker or genetic testing.
How Does Targeted Therapy Work?
Cancer cells often have genetic mutations or abnormal proteins that drive their growth. Targeted therapy medicines are designed to interfere with these changes.
Depending on the cancer type, targeted therapy may:
- Block growth signals to cancer cells
- Prevent the formation of new blood vessels that feed tumors
- Slow or stop cancer cell division
- Trigger cancer cell death
- Work alongside chemotherapy or immunotherapy in selected cases
Who Can Benefit from Targeted Therapy?
Targeted therapy may be considered for patients with certain cancers when appropriate biomarkers are present.
These may include:
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)
Treatment eligibility depends on molecular testing and current clinical guidelines.
Molecular Testing Before Targeted Therapy
Before recommending targeted therapy, your oncologist may advise molecular or biomarker testing to identify actionable changes in the tumor.
Common tests may include:
- HER2 testing
- EGFR mutation analysis
- ALK rearrangement testing
- ROS1 testing
- BRAF mutation testing
- KRAS/NRAS testing
- MSI or dMMR testing (where relevant)
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) in selected situations
These tests help determine whether a targeted medicine is likely to be effective.
Conditions Commonly Treated with Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy has become an important option in the treatment of several cancers, including:
Breast Cancer
HER2-positive breast cancers may respond to HER2-targeted medicines.
Lung Cancer
Certain lung cancers with EGFR, ALK, or ROS1 alterations may be treated with targeted therapies.
Colon and Rectal Cancer
Some patients may benefit from targeted therapy depending on RAS/BRAF status and other molecular findings.
Ovarian Cancer
Selected patients may be candidates for PARP inhibitors or other targeted approaches.
Kidney Cancer
Targeted therapy is commonly used in advanced renal cell carcinoma.
Thyroid Cancer
Specific targeted medicines are available for selected advanced thyroid cancers.
Benefits of Targeted Therapy
For eligible patients, targeted therapy may:
- Focus on specific cancer-related targets
- Be used alone or in combination with other treatments
- Help control disease progression
- Improve symptom management in some settings
- Offer additional treatment options when supported by evidence
Treatment results vary among individuals.
How is Targeted Therapy Given?
Depending on the medicine, targeted therapy may be:
- Oral tablets or capsules
- Intravenous (IV) infusion
- Combination treatment with chemotherapy or immunotherapy
The schedule depends on the treatment protocol.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects vary depending on the medicine used.
Common side effects may include:
- Skin rash
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Liver function changes
- Mouth sores
- Nail changes
- Hand-foot syndrome (with some medicines)
Your oncology team will monitor for side effects and provide supportive care when needed.
Monitoring During Treatment
Patients receiving targeted therapy are monitored regularly through:
- Clinical examinations
- Blood tests
- Imaging studies
- Assessment of treatment response
- Organ function monitoring
This helps ensure safe and effective treatment.
Personalized Cancer Care
At Nabeel Cancer Care Centre, treatment planning is individualized based on:
- Cancer type
- Disease stage
- Molecular profile
- Overall health
- Previous treatments
- Patient preferences
Targeted therapy is offered only when medically appropriate and supported by current evidence.
Why Choose Dr. N. A. Siddiqui?
Patients choose Dr. Siddiqui because of his focus on:
- Evidence-based oncology care
- Personalized treatment plans
- Precision medicine approaches
- Modern targeted therapies
- Multidisciplinary coordination
- Compassionate patient care
- Long-term follow-up and counseling
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is targeted therapy?
Targeted therapy is a treatment that attacks specific molecules involved in cancer growth.
Is targeted therapy the same as chemotherapy?
No. Targeted therapy works on specific molecular targets, while chemotherapy affects rapidly dividing cells more broadly.
Who is eligible for targeted therapy?
Eligibility depends on cancer type, biomarker testing, and current treatment guidelines.
Is genetic testing necessary?
Many targeted therapies require molecular or genetic testing to determine if they are appropriate.
Does targeted therapy have side effects?
Yes. Side effects vary depending on the medicine and may include skin changes, diarrhea, fatigue, and blood pressure changes.
Can targeted therapy be combined with chemotherapy?
Yes. For some cancers, targeted therapy is used together with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
How long does treatment continue?
Treatment duration depends on the cancer type, response to therapy, and clinical assessment.
Is targeted therapy available for all cancers?
No. It is available only for cancers where approved targeted medicines and suitable biomarkers exist.
How can I book an appointment?
Contact Nabeel Cancer Care Centre to schedule a consultation with Dr. N. A. Siddiqui.
Book an Appointment
If you would like to know whether targeted therapy is suitable for your cancer, consult Dr. N. A. Siddiqui, Medical Oncologist at Nabeel Cancer Care Centre, Lucknow, for a personalized evaluation and evidence-based treatment plan.