Our experienced medical team at On.Top has extensive expertise in administering targeted biological therapies — one of the most advanced and effective treatments available today for skin cancer.
Targeted therapy works by specifically attacking cancer cells, while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
In recent years, there have been major advancements in the development of targeted biological treatments for advanced skin cancers.
These therapies are particularly effective against specific types of skin cancer, allowing doctors to target molecular pathways unique to tumor cells.
Biological therapies typically bind to proteins within the tumor, disrupting critical pathways that control cancer cell growth and spread.
These same pathways are either absent or far less active in normal tissues, meaning side effects are usually milder than those associated with chemotherapy.
At On.Top, all targeted therapies are individually matched to the patient’s clinical condition.
Examples of Targeted Biological Therapies Offered at On.Top:
In approximately 50% of melanoma patients, cancer cells carry a BRAF mutation (usually V600E).
For these patients, treatment may involve a combination of BRAF inhibitors and MEK inhibitors.
These drugs are taken orally and often lead to rapid tumor shrinkage in many cases.
Targeted therapy for melanoma is used in:
Currently, there are three approved BRAF-MEK drug combinations, each with a different side effect profile.
Your oncologist will determine the most appropriate regimen following a full clinical evaluation, including recommended follow-up tests.
In advanced, non-operable BCC — or tumors that persist after surgery or radiation — treatment with Hedgehog pathway inhibitors has shown high effectiveness.
These drugs are also taken orally and frequently result in rapid tumor response.
There are currently two approved Hedgehog inhibitors, each with a different side effect profile.
As with melanoma, treatment is tailored to each patient based on clinical assessment, and specific follow-up testing is planned accordingly.
נגע עורי יוצא דופן, שנראה שונה משאר נגעי העור
גילוי נגע שלא היה קודם
נגע המשנה את צורתו או גודלו, או שלפתע מתחיל לדמם
לבעלי סיכון מוגבר למלנומה ולסרטן העור מומלץ לבצע אבחון מוקדם ובדיקת סקר אחת לחצי שנה עד שנה. חייבים לזכור כי מטופלים המאובחנים עם סרטני עור, ובמיוחד מלנומה בשלב מוקדם, הם בעלי אחוזי שרידות גבוהים מאוד ולרוב לסרטן אין כל השפעה על אורח או תוחלת החיים. לעומת זאת, מטופלים המאובחנים עם סרטני עור ומלנומה בשלב מתקדם הינם בעלי אחוזי שרידות נמוכים יותר ונזקקים לניתוחים מורכבים ולטיפולים תרופתיים.
בנוסף, קיימת הסכמה רחבה של הארגונים המדעיים לגבי הצורך של מטופלים עם היסטוריה של מלנומה להישאר במעקב לכל חייהם אצל רופא עור ובמקרים מסוימים גם רופא אונקולוג. תדירות המעקב המומלצת משתנה, בין היתר, כתלות במשך הזמן שחלף מאז האבחנה של המלנומה. התדירות נעה בין אחת לשלושה חודשים עד אחת לשנה.
קיימים גורמי סיכון נמוכים יותר כמו עור בהיר, שיער ג’ינג’י, עיניים כחולות או ירוקות, והיסטוריה של כוויות שמש או מצבים של מערכת חיסונית בדיכוי (כתוצאה מסרטן, מחלות אוטואימוניות או נטילת תרופות המדכאות את מערכת החיסון כגון במטופלים מושתלי איברים) בכל מקרה, ההמלצה היא לשמור על ערנות גבוהה גם אם לא נכללים בקבוצת הסיכון, ולשים לב לכל הופעה או שינוי של נגע חשוד- נקודת חן, שומה או כתם.
At our center, you’ll find a team of leading experts — experienced medical professionals specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers, alongside a dedicated support team to assist with all administrative aspects.
No, biological therapy is not painful — it is administered orally in pill form only, with no injections or invasive procedures involved.
Biological therapies for skin cancer require careful preparation to ensure both efficacy and safety. Below are the key steps involved in getting ready for treatment:
1. Molecular Testing
In melanoma, biological therapy is prescribed only when a BRAF gene mutation is identified. This test is performed on tumor tissue already collected during the diagnostic process — no additional procedure is needed. Your oncologist will guide you through how and where the test is conducted.
For basal cell carcinoma (BCC), molecular testing is not required in order to begin targeted therapy.
2. Blood Tests and Organ Function Monitoring
Biological treatments can affect organ function, particularly the liver and kidneys, so blood tests are essential to evaluate safety.
Testing includes:
These are performed before treatment begins and periodically during therapy to monitor for side effects.
In some cases, cardiac evaluations such as ECG or echocardiogram may also be needed before or during treatment.
Certain pre-existing health conditions — such as heart disease or liver issues — and other regular medications may influence the safety of biological therapy.
To help your oncologist tailor treatment safely, please prepare or bring an updated summary from your primary care physician, including:
4. Education About Side Effects
Your oncologist will provide detailed information about potential side effects.
It’s important to report any unusual symptoms to the care team promptly, so they can respond appropriately and manage them effectively.
5. Sun Protection and Skin Monitoring
Some biological medications can increase sun sensitivity.
Some treatments may also cause new skin lesions to appear. Ongoing dermatological follow-up is recommended during therapy.
6. Emotional Support
Biological therapy may be long-term, and side effects can sometimes affect quality of life.
Access to psychological support or counseling can help reduce anxiety and improve your ability to cope with treatment.
Thorough preparation is a critical part of successful treatment.
Our team will support you throughout the process to ensure your care is safe, personalized, and effective.
The duration of biological therapy and the length of each treatment session vary depending on the type of treatment, the patient’s condition, and the treatment plan determined by the medical team.
When the treatment involves oral medication, it is taken at home, so visits to the clinic may be less frequent and primarily for monitoring purposes.
In any case, the medical team will determine the length and frequency of treatment based on your body’s response, the occurrence of any side effects, and the overall treatment goals.
