Targeted Cancer Therapies

Precision Treatment Designed for Your Cancer’s Unique Biology

Targeted therapy is a powerful advancement in personalized cancer care. These treatments identify and block the specific genes, proteins, or pathways that allow cancer cells to grow and spread — helping to stop the disease at its source.

At Katmai Oncology, patients receive the latest FDA-approved targeted therapies in a supportive, closely monitored environment. Our board-certified oncologists use advanced biomarker and molecular testing to determine whether your cancer has a targetable feature, ensuring that every treatment plan is individualized and evidence based.

While not every patient is eligible for targeted therapy, molecular testing can often reveal treatment options that were not previously available.

What is Targeted Therapy?

Unlike chemotherapy, which affects both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy works by focusing only on the molecules that fuel cancer growth. These treatments may:

• Block growth signals that tell cancer cells to divide

• Prevent tumors from forming new blood vessels

• Stop cancer cells from repairing damaged DNA

• Interfere with mutations that make tumors aggressive or resistant to other drugs

Targeted therapy may be used alone or combined with chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy depending on your cancer type and stage.

Types of Targeted Therapies We Use

The therapies offered at Katmai Oncology are selected based on your cancer’s unique molecular characteristics and confirmed clinical evidence.  

Immunotherapy, which helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer, is also considered a form of targeted therapy, though it works through different biological pathways. Other targeted therapies include:

Signal Blockers & Growth Inhibitors

These drugs block proteins such as HER2, EGFR, ALK, and KRAS that drive cancer cell growth and survival.

Used for: breast, lung, and gastric cancers with specific gene mutations or overexpression

Angiogenesis Inhibitors

These therapies prevent tumors from forming new blood vessels (i.e., angiogenesis) that supply nutrients for growth.

Used for: colon, kidney, liver, and certain lung cancers

DNA Repair and PARP Inhibitors

These therapies target cancers with defects in DNA-repair mechanisms, such as BRCA or related gene mutations. By preventing DNA repair, they cause cancer cells to die.

Used for: ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancers with BRCA mutations or similar markers

BRAF & MEK Inhibitors

Certain cancers grow due to mutations in the BRAF gene or related pathways. Drugs that target BRAF or MEK can block this abnormal signaling.

Used for: melanoma and some thyroid or colorectal cancers

VEGF Pathway Inhibitors

Drugs that target vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) interfere with tumor blood vessel growth, slowing progression and enhancing the effects of other therapies.

Used for: kidney, liver, and colorectal cancers

Antibody-Drug Conjugates

These treatments link a monoclonal antibody to a small dose of chemotherapy. The antibody guides the medication directly to cancer cells, concentrating treatment in the tumor and reducing exposure to healthy tissue.

Used for: certain breast, bladder, lung, and lymphoid cancers (depending on tumor markers)

Which Cancers May Benefit from Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy may be part of treatment for:

• Breast cancer – for HER2-positive or HER2-low tumors

• Lung cancer – for EGFR, ALK, ROS1, or KRAS mutations

• Colorectal cancer – for RAS, BRAF, or MSI-H/dMMR biomarkers

• Kidney and liver cancers – for tumors driven by VEGF signaling

• Ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers – for BRCA-related mutations

• Melanoma and thyroid cancers – for BRAF or MEK mutations

Your oncologist will determine whether biomarker or genomic testing is appropriate to guide treatment selection.

Katmai Oncology Group utilizes personalized genomic testing to determine the most effective targeted therapies to deploy against your specific type of cancer.

What to Expect During Treatment

Depending on your treatment plan, targeted therapy may be given as a pill or IV infusion at our Anchorage or Eagle River clinic.

During treatment, your oncology-certified nurse will monitor your response and review any side effects, which may include fatigue, mild nausea, rash, or changes in blood pressure or liver function.

Collaborative, Precision-Guided Care

Targeted therapy patients at Katmai Oncology benefit from a fully coordinated system that connects molecular expertise with practical, patient-centered support.

• Southcentral Alaska’s only QOPI®-certified oncology clinic, distinguished for exceptional quality and safety standards

• Board-certified oncologists skilled in selecting and managing advanced targeted and genomic therapies

• OCN®-certified infusion nurses who monitor response and ensure safe administration of oral and infused medications

• On-site laboratory and infusion suites for same-day testing and treatment planning

• In-office prescription dispensary for direct pickup of specialty medications and refills

• In-house patient navigators who coordinate scheduling, insurance, and access to financial resources

At Katmai Oncology, we deliver targeted cancer treatments with unmatched precision, collaboration, and respect for each patient’s time and wellbeing.

Learn More or Request a Consultation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer and want to explore whether targeted therapy may be an option, our team is here to help. Contact us to schedule an appointment.