Can chemotherapy and targeted therapy be used simultaneously?

In general, chemotherapy and targeted therapy can be used simultaneously, but this approach is not suitable for all cancer patients. The decision should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the cancer type, stage, presence of specific molecular targets, and the patient's overall health status. The details are as follows:

Chemotherapy works by using drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. It has a broad range of action but can easily damage normal cells. In contrast, targeted therapy acts precisely on specific molecular targets unique to cancer cells—such as gene mutations or abnormal proteins—and thus causes less harm to healthy cells. In certain cancers, combining the two treatments can produce a synergistic effect. For example, in HER2-positive breast cancer, combination therapy enhances cancer cell destruction and delays the development of drug resistance. In advanced non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR mutations, combination treatment may help control rapidly progressing tumors in some patients. However, combining therapies may also increase the risk of side effects, such as worsening bone marrow suppression or gastrointestinal reactions. Therefore, patients who are physically weak or unable to tolerate increased side effects may not be suitable candidates for combined therapy.

The combination of chemotherapy and targeted therapy must strictly follow clinical guidelines and be individually tailored by physicians according to each patient’s specific condition. Patients should never decide on treatment methods independently. Instead, they should cooperate with their doctors in undergoing biomarker testing and thorough health evaluations to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes while ensuring safety.