Targeted therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to specifically target and interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells, without harming normal cells as much as other treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. Unlike traditional treatments that attack all fast-growing cells, targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in the cancer’s growth, such as proteins, genes, or the blood vessels that supply tumors with oxygen and nutrients.

Targeted therapy works by:

1. Blocking cancer cell growth: Some targeted drugs interfere with the signals that help cancer cells grow.

2. Preventing cancer spread: Some therapies target the ability of cancer cells to spread to other parts of the body.

3. Delivering toxic substances to cancer cells: Certain therapies can deliver radiation or chemotherapy directly to cancer cells, reducing damage to healthy tissue.

There are different types of targeted therapy, including:

• Monoclonal antibodies: These are lab-made molecules that can bind to specific cancer cells or proteins, marking them for destruction.

• Small-molecule drugs: These drugs enter cancer cells and block specific proteins that help the cancer grow.

• Immunotherapy: This uses targeted treatments that help the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.

Targeted therapy is often used alongside other treatments like chemotherapy or surgery and can be particularly effective for certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer, lung cancer, and leukemia. It’s typically tailored to the genetic makeup of the cancer, making it a more personalized approach to cancer treatment.