What is a characteristic of precision medicine?

Precision medicine is characterized by its focus on tailoring treatment strategies to the individual characteristics of each patient's disease, particularly based on their genetic makeup and the specific biological markers present. This approach goes beyond standard protocols, which may apply the same treatment across a broad population, and instead strives to understand the unique molecular profile of the cancer. By analyzing individual genes, proteins, and other factors, healthcare providers can select therapies that are more likely to be effective for specific patients, minimizing unnecessary side effects and improving outcomes.

The other options do not align with the fundamental principles of precision medicine. For instance, standard chemotherapy protocols are more general and do not account for individual variations. Surgical interventions can be part of a cancer treatment plan, but precision medicine is not limited to surgical approaches alone. Lastly, the application of precision medicine is not uniform across all cancer types, as different cancers may respond to various targeted therapies based on their unique genetic and molecular characteristics. This tailored approach is what makes precision medicine a promising area in oncology.