What characteristic defines targeted therapy?

What characteristic defines targeted therapy?

• A. It universally affects all fast-growing cells
• B. It specifically attacks cancer cell characteristics without affecting normal cells
• C. It is only effective in late-stage cancers
• D. It relies on broad-spectrum drugs

Answer: (B)

Targeted therapy is defined by its ability to specifically attack cancer cells based on the unique characteristics or mutations present in those cells while sparing normal cells. This selectivity is achieved by targeting particular molecules or pathways that are crucial for the growth and survival of cancer cells but are less active or absent in normal cells. This focused approach reduces collateral damage to healthy tissues, often leading to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, which tends to affect all rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately. As a result, patients undergoing targeted therapy can experience enhanced efficacy and improved quality of life during treatment. The other options highlight characteristics that do not align with the fundamental nature of targeted therapy. For instance, targeting all fast-growing cells would not differentiate between cancerous and normal cells, leading to significant toxicity. Similarly, while targeted therapies can be used in late-stage cancers, they are not restricted to this phase of cancer treatment and can be effective at various stages. Lastly, relying on broad-spectrum drugs is more characteristic of conventional chemotherapy rather than the precise methodologies employed in targeted therapies.

Targeted therapy is defined by its ability to specifically attack cancer cells based on the unique characteristics or mutations present in those cells while sparing normal cells. This selectivity is achieved by targeting particular molecules or pathways that are crucial for the growth and survival of cancer cells but are less active or absent in normal cells.

This focused approach reduces collateral damage to healthy tissues, often leading to fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy, which tends to affect all rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately. As a result, patients undergoing targeted therapy can experience enhanced efficacy and improved quality of life during treatment.

The other options highlight characteristics that do not align with the fundamental nature of targeted therapy. For instance, targeting all fast-growing cells would not differentiate between cancerous and normal cells, leading to significant toxicity. Similarly, while targeted therapies can be used in late-stage cancers, they are not restricted to this phase of cancer treatment and can be effective at various stages. Lastly, relying on broad-spectrum drugs is more characteristic of conventional chemotherapy rather than the precise methodologies employed in targeted therapies.