This is a group of drugs that block the growth and spread of cancer. They target and interfere with processes in the cells that help cancer to grow.
The most common targeted treatment given is Herceptin (trastuzumab). It can be given alongside/after chemotherapy.
It will only be effective if your breast cancer is HER2 positive (this means the cells have more of a protein called HER2 on their surface, which encourages growth. If you have heart or blood pressure problems, sometimes this treatment will not be suitable. More information about trastuzumab is provided by Breast Cancer Now here.
Please click here to find out information about some of the other targeted treatments that may in some cases be offered.
