Targeted Therapies in Oncology: Precision Medicine for Cancer Treatment
Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment, focusing on specific molecular targets associated with cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies aim to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer growth and progression. Here’s an in-depth look at how targeted therapies are revolutionizing oncology: 1. What is Targeted Therapy? Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs designed to “target” cancer cells without affecting normal cells. These therapies work by interfering with specific proteins that control how cancer cells grow, divide, and spread 1 . Key Mechanisms: Blocking Cell Signals : Targeted therapies can block the signals that tell cancer cells to grow and divide. Inducing Cell Death : Some therapies can trigger cancer cells to undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death). Preventing Blood Supply : Certain drugs can inhibit the growth of blood vessels that supply tum...