What is the primary intent of targeted therapy?

The primary intent of targeted therapy is to act on specific molecular targets to inhibit tumor growth. This approach focuses on understanding the genetic and molecular profiles of cancer cells, allowing for the development of drugs that specifically attack the pathways and mechanisms that drive cancer progression. By targeting these unique characteristics, targeted therapies can potentially minimize damage to normal cells and reduce side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, which generally affects all rapidly dividing cells.

The precision of targeted therapy allows for more personalized treatment plans, aligning with the concept that different tumors may require different therapeutic strategies based on their distinct molecular abnormalities. This targeted approach can lead to improved treatment efficacy and outcomes for patients, as it aims not just to suppress tumor size but also to block specific pathways vital for tumor survival and proliferation.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately capture the primary objective of targeted therapy. Surgical methods, nutritional support, and pain management are important components of cancer care but do not represent the mechanism or goal of targeted therapy itself.