Driver-mutated lung cancer
EGFR, ALK, ROS1, KRAS G12C and other alterations — common in Asian, never-smoker lung cancers — each with matched oral therapies.
Treatments
Targeted therapy hits the mutation
Targeted therapy hits the mutation
driving the cancer.
Targeted therapies are drugs designed against the specific genetic alteration that drives a cancer's growth — EGFR, ALK, HER2, BRAF and dozens more. Molecular profiling finds the driver; the drug is matched to it.
1Molecular test to find the driver
DailyMost are once-daily tablets
50+Targetable alterations and counting
Image · placeholderMolecular profiling report on the consultation screen
Image · placeholderIllustration — drug molecule binding a mutated receptor
Targeted Therapy · What it is
Precision drugs, in plain language.
Many cancers are driven by a specific, identifiable fault — a mutated gene producing an abnormal protein that tells cells to keep dividing. Targeted therapies are engineered to bind and block exactly that protein, shutting down the growth signal at its source.
Because the drug acts on a mechanism the cancer depends on — and healthy cells largely don't — targeted therapy is often better tolerated than conventional chemotherapy, and many agents are simple once-daily tablets taken at home.
The essential first step is molecular profiling: testing the tumour's DNA to find which driver, if any, is present. A lung cancer with an EGFR mutation and one without are, for treatment purposes, different diseases. Profiling turns the diagnosis from an organ into a mechanism — and the mechanism picks the drug.
Targeted Therapy · Who is it for
Cancers and situations where Targeted Therapy can help.
Targeted therapy applies wherever profiling finds an actionable driver. These are the most common scenarios in our practice.
HER2 & hormone-pathway breast cancer
Anti-HER2 agents and CDK4/6 inhibitors, layered with endocrine therapy for the right molecular subtypes.
Other profiled cancers
Colorectal, liver, kidney, thyroid, GIST and more — plus tumour-agnostic approvals where a rare target appears in any cancer type.
Targeted Therapy · How it works
Profile, match, treat, track.
The pathway starts in the lab and continues as an outpatient routine, with scans tracking response over time.
Image · placeholderSequencing laboratory — preparing a tumour sample
Molecular profiling
Tumour tissue — or sometimes a blood-based liquid biopsy — is sequenced to identify actionable alterations.
Image · placeholderConsultation — matching the profile to a therapy
Matching the drug
Your oncologist matches the finding to the approved therapy with the strongest evidence for your cancer and line of treatment.
Image · placeholderPatient collecting oral therapy from the pharmacy
Treatment at home or in clinic
Most targeted agents are oral tablets taken daily at home; some are given as periodic infusions in our day suite.
Image · placeholderFollow-up scan review with the oncologist
Response monitoring
Regular reviews, bloodwork and periodic scans confirm the drug is working — and if resistance eventually develops, re-profiling guides the next option.
Targeted Therapy · What to expect
Treatment that fits around your life.
For most patients, targeted therapy means a tablet with breakfast rather than a hospital chair — clinic visits are for review and monitoring rather than administration. Work, travel and daily routines usually continue.
Side effects depend on the pathway being blocked — commonly skin rash, diarrhoea, or blood-pressure changes — and are usually manageable with dose adjustments and supportive care. Your team monitors bloods and symptoms at every review.
Duration is open-ended: targeted therapy typically continues for as long as it holds the cancer in check. Many patients remain on treatment, living normally, for years.
Image · placeholderPatient taking daily oral therapy at home
Targeted Therapy · Cost & insurance
Is Targeted Therapy covered?
Targeted agents on Singapore's Cancer Drug List are claimable under MediShield Life and Medisave within treatment-specific limits, and Integrated Shield Plans cover listed indications. Because these are ongoing therapies, monthly cost planning matters.
We provide a written estimate covering both the profiling and the therapy, mapped against your coverage, before treatment begins. Our care coordinator can verify claims with your insurer in advance.
Image · placeholderAARO specialists at the Centre for Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Targeted Therapy · Your specialists
Meet Dr Daniel Tan→
Who delivers targeted therapy at AARO.
Molecular profiling and targeted therapy at AARO are directed by our oncology team, coordinated with our radiation oncologists so systemic and local treatments reinforce each other in one plan.
Dr Daniel TanSRS · SBRT · Brain · Spine · Oligomets
Dr Jonathan TehProstate · Breast · Gynaecological
Dr Michelle TsengLung · Thoracic · Head & Neck
Dr David TanGU · Prostate
Has your cancer been molecularly profiled?
Book a consultation. We'll review whether profiling has been done, arrange it if not, and explain what your results mean for your options.