TriangleFOR PATIENTS · SOURCE READING
Targeted therapy
Source: Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis Treatment (PDQ®)–Patient Version, National Cancer Institute.
Source updated: June 6, 2024 · Captured 2026-09-09.
Selected source text with whitespace normalised. This Triangle page is not an NCI PDQ summary. Independent clinical review is pending.
Context: Treatment Option Overview for LCH / Nine types of standard treatment are used to treat LCH.
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. There are different types of targeted therapy:
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BRAF inhibitors block proteins needed for cell growth and may kill cancer cells. The BRAF gene is found in a mutated (changed) form in some LCH and blocking it may help keep LCH cells from growing.
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BRAF inhibitors block proteins needed for cell growth and may kill cancer cells. The BRAF gene is found in a mutated (changed) form in some LCH and blocking it may help keep LCH cells from growing.
Vemurafenib and dabrafenib are BRAF inhibitors used to treat LCH.
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MEK inhibitors block proteins called MEK1 and MEK2 that affect the growth and survival of cancer cells.
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MEK inhibitors block proteins called MEK1 and MEK2 that affect the growth and survival of cancer cells.
Trametinib is a MEK inhibitor that is being studied in the treatment of certain childhood tumors for use alone or combined with dabrafenib.
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Monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins made in the laboratory to treat many diseases, including cancer. As a cancer treatment, these antibodies can attach to a specific target on cancer cells or other cells that may help cancer cells grow. The antibodies are able to then kill the cancer cells, block their growth, or keep them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies are given by infusion. They may be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to cancer cells.
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Monoclonal antibodies are immune system proteins made in the laboratory to treat many diseases, including cancer. As a cancer treatment, these antibodies can attach to a specific target on cancer cells or other cells that may help cancer cells grow. The antibodies are able to then kill the cancer cells, block their growth, or keep them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies are given by infusion. They may be used alone or to carry drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to cancer cells.
Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody used to treat LCH.
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Preserved source evidence · Independent clinical review pending · Not medical advice