What is the purpose of targeted therapy in cancer treatment?

The purpose of targeted therapy in cancer treatment is to focus on specific molecular pathways that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. This approach utilizes drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack the cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells. Targeted therapies are designed based on the unique characteristics of an individual's cancer, such as specific genetic mutations or proteins that are present in that tumor.

This targeted mechanism allows for a more tailored treatment regimen that can improve effectiveness and potentially lead to better outcomes compared to traditional chemotherapy, which often affects all rapidly dividing cells. By disrupting key processes essential for tumor growth, such as cell division, survival, and metastasis, targeted therapies can significantly impact the progression of cancer while often resulting in fewer side effects than more generalized treatments.

In summary, the effectiveness and specificity of targeted therapy make it a vital approach in modern oncology, particularly for cancers that have identifiable biomarkers for treatment response.