What is the fundamental goal of targeted therapy?

The fundamental goal of targeted therapy is to inhibit specific features of cancer cells. Targeted therapy is designed to attack the cancer cells more precisely and effectively than traditional chemotherapy or radiation by focusing on particular molecular targets associated with cancer. These targets can be proteins or genetic mutations found in cancer cells that contribute to tumor growth and survival. By specifically inhibiting these targets, targeted therapies can disrupt the cancer cell’s ability to grow and multiply while minimizing damage to normal, healthy cells. This approach not only improves the efficacy of the treatment but also helps reduce side effects, as the therapy is less likely to affect non-cancerous cells.