hematologist meaning

Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that focuses on specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which affects both cancer and healthy cells, targeted therapy is designed to interfere with specific molecules that play a role in the growth and progression of cancer.

These targeted therapies can work in various ways, such as blocking signals that tell cancer cells to divide, inhibiting the formation of new blood vessels that tumors need to grow, or triggering the immune system to attack cancer cells. Targeted therapies are often used in conjunction with other cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

The selection of targeted therapies is often based on the specific characteristics of a person's cancer, including the presence of certain genetic mutations or the overexpression of particular proteins. Targeted therapy has shown success in treating certain types of cancers, leading to more personalized and effective treatment approaches with fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. However, it's essential to note that the effectiveness of targeted therapy can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer.