Every breakthrough cancer treatment starts with a simple idea: Can we find a better way? Breakthroughs in cancer drug therapies are incredibly important because they offer a more targeted approach to treatment. These exciting advancements have the potential to significantly enhance survival rates, prolong disease-free periods, and enrich the overall quality of life for those touched by cancer.
“Breakthrough cancer treatments offer new hope—transforming once-terminal diagnoses into manageable conditions and granting patients the gift of time, prolonged disease-free periods, and a future.”
Dr James Wilson
Breakthrough Drug Therapies
Thanks to the incredible advancements in modern science, we now have access to treatments that are becoming more personalised, precise, and often even more effective in our fight against cancer than ever before. It's exciting to see several promising new drug trials emerging, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and innovative drug combinations that hold great potential.
Targeted therapies for cancer are at the forefront of breakthrough treatments designed to attack specific changes or weaknesses in cancer cells that enable them to grow. These therapies work by focusing on specific changes—called mutations—in cancer cells. These changes help the cancer grow and spread. Think of it like using a key that fits only one lock: targeted therapies are designed to work only on cancer cells with certain “locks”, leaving more healthy cells unharmed. The advantages of targeted therapy are extensive and summarised briefly below:
Treatment That Fits You
Not all cancers are the same—even within the same type, like lung or skin cancer. Targeted therapies are carefully chosen based on the unique features of your tumour, such as specific gene changes. This means your treatment is more personalised to you, not just the general disease.
More Effective When It Counts
If your cancer has certain genetic traits, targeted therapies can work really well—often shrinking tumours or stopping them from growing. In many cases, they can do this better than traditional chemotherapy, especially when matched correctly through testing.
Fewer Side Effects
Because targeted therapies focus on the cancer cells and leave more healthy cells alone, people often experience fewer side effects than with chemotherapy. That means you’re more likely to feel like yourself during treatment, with less impact on your day-to-day life.
Easy to Take at Home
Most targeted therapies are taken as pills or capsules, usually once or twice a day. That means fewer hospital trips and more freedom to continue with your normal routine—whether that’s work, spending time with family, or simply relaxing at home.
A Better Quality of Life
With fewer side effects and a treatment plan designed just for you, many people find they have more energy, comfort, and independence. It’s not just about fighting cancer—where possible, it’s about living well while doing it.
When creating a treatment plan, we will evaluate all your options together. A targeted approach, when appropriate, provides my patients with access to promising new therapies that are not yet widely available.
When customised to fit an individual’s condition and treatment history, this approach can provide not only hope but also the potential for improved outcomes.
As an oncologist, participating in cancer clinical trials has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. These trials are at the forefront of medical innovation, offering access to promising new treatments, often at a time when patients have few remaining options. They allow us to explore more effective, more personalised therapies and help shape the future of cancer care.
Every trial is a step toward a better understanding of cancer and how we can outsmart it. Seeing my patients respond to a new treatment, sometimes when nothing else has worked, is both humbling and inspiring. That’s why I believe they are a vital part of responsible, forward-thinking cancer care.
Thanks to the support from Cancer Research UK and other leading research organisations, essential clinical trials for cancer treatments are conducted across the country, leading to significant breakthroughs in treatment. By participating in these trials, patients not only gain early access to cutting-edge therapies but also offer valuable insights for future patients. When we agree on your cancer treatment plan, we will discuss whether a clinical trial may be suitable for your specific treatment needs.
My private practice is affiliated with a distinguished group of hospitals in London, tailored to meet your individual needs through compassionate cancer care. One significant advantage of private hospitals is their flexibility; I can help you find the most effective cancer treatment and treatment centre, and you can decide when to undergo treatment. I am here to ensure that your cancer treatment causes the least disruption to your well-being and to support you in managing any side effects quickly and effectively, all while prioritising your well-being.
If you are not based in London, I welcome patients from across the UK and provide initial video consultations to collaboratively develop affordable, personalised cancer care and treatment plans.
Additionally, should you require accommodation, I can assist in arranging a comfortable and convenient place for you to stay near my London practices.
Our Reviews
What people are saying
Dr Wilson has been outstanding throughout my treatment and beyond. He shows genuine empathy dealing with difficult conversations. He is completely honest and caring. I feel like I get treated on a personal level rather than just another patient. He shows understanding with any worries that I may have. He is an outstanding consultant in my opinion and I am very fortunate to have been allocated to him.
Doctify review
Targeted cancer treatments
Targeted Therapy
Proton Beam Therapy
Proton beam therapy (PBT) is a specialised & highly effective radiotherapy that targets lung tumors more accurately, reducing radiation to essential organs and tissues.
Stereotactic radiotherapy (SABR) is a precise, high-dose radiation therapy for early-stage lung cancer. It’s highly effective, and my personal cure rate is 90%.
Targeted therapies are a type of cancer treatment that focus on specific changes (mutations) or markers in cancer cells that help them grow and spread. These treatments are designed to block those changes, like cutting off the cancer’s power supply, without harming as many healthy cells.
How are they different from chemotherapy?
Unlike chemotherapy, which affects all fast-growing cells (including healthy ones), targeted therapies zero in on specific parts of cancer cells. This makes them more precise, often with fewer side effects.
How do I know if targeted therapy is right for me?
Your doctor can order special tests—called biomarker or molecular testing—to look for specific mutations in your tumour. If your cancer has one of these mutations, a targeted therapy may be an option.
What types of cancer can be treated with targeted therapy?
What are the most commonly used targeted therapies for lung cancer?
EGFR Inhibitors:
Erlotinib (Tarceva) - Genentech/Roche
Gefitinib (Iressa) - AstraZeneca
Afatinib (Gilotrif) - Boehringer Ingelheim
Osimertinib (Tagrisso) - AstraZeneca
Dacomitinib (Vizimpro) - Pfizer
ALK Inhibitors:
Crizotinib (Xalkori) - Pfizer
Ceritinib (Zykadia) - Novartis
Alectinib (Alecensa) - Genentech/Roche
Brigatinib (Alunbrig) - Takeda
Lorlatinib (Lorbrena) - Pfizer
ROS1 Inhibitors:
Crizotinib (Xalkori) - Pfizer
Ceritinib (Zykadia) - Novartis
Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) - Genentech/Roche
BRAF Inhibitors:
Dabrafenib (Tafinlar) - Novartis
Trametinib (Mekinist) - Novartis
RET Inhibitors:
Selpercatinib (Retevmo) - Eli Lilly
Pralsetinib (Gavreto) - Genentech/Roche
NTRK Inhibitors:
Larotrectinib (Vitrakvi) - Bayer
Entrectinib (Rozlytrek) - Genentech/Roche
MET Inhibitors:
Capmatinib (Tabrecta) - Novartis
Tepotinib (Tepmetko) - Merck KGaA
KRAS G12C Inhibitors:
Sotorasib (Lumakras) - Amgen
Adagrasib (Krazati) - Mirati Therapeutics
Angiogenesis Inhibitors:
Bevacizumab (Avastin) - Genentech/Roche
Ramucirumab (Cyramza) - Eli Lilly
How are these treatments given?
Most targeted therapies are taken as pills or capsules at home, usually once or twice a day. In some cases, they may be given by infusion at a hospital or clinic.
How long does targeted therapy take?
Treatment duration varies. Some people stay on targeted therapies for months or even years, as long as the treatment continues to work and side effects remain manageable.
What is a cancer clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a carefully designed medical study that tests new ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer. These trials help researchers determine whether new treatments are effective and safe, and can provide patients with access to the latest therapies.
Why should I consider joining a clinical trial?
Clinical trials may offer access to promising new treatments that aren’t yet widely available. For some people, especially when standard treatments haven’t worked, a trial can be a valuable option. You’ll also be helping future patients by contributing to cancer research.
Are clinical trials safe?
Clinical trials adhere to strict safety protocols and are closely monitored by doctors, researchers, and ethics committees. Patient safety is always the top priority. You’ll be carefully watched and can choose to leave the trial at any time.
Who can join a clinical trial?
Each trial has its own criteria. These may include your type and stage of cancer, past treatments, overall health, or specific genetic markers in your cancer. If you are considering a clinical trial, together we can check if you qualify.
