What does targeted therapy involve?

Targeted therapy specifically focuses on attacking cancer cell pathways or genetic markers that are unique to cancerous cells, distinguishing it from standard treatments that may not differentiate between healthy and cancerous tissue. This approach utilizes a detailed understanding of the molecular and genetic characteristics of cancer cells, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment options that can minimize damage to normal cells and reduce side effects.

In targeted therapy, therapies are designed to interrupt the specific processes that allow cancer cells to grow and survive. This may involve using drugs that bind to specific proteins on cancer cells or that interfere with the signaling pathways that drive cancer proliferation. Consequently, this level of specificity can lead to better treatment outcomes for patients.

The other options suggest broader or less tailored approaches to cancer treatment. For instance, claiming targeted therapy is a treatment for all types of cancer does not account for the specificity required for its effectiveness. Additionally, a generalized approach does not fit the nature of targeted therapy, which is based on unique patient and cancer profiles. Lastly, linking treatment strictly to patient age invalidates the critical genomic and molecular factors that targeted therapies rely upon. Thus, the correct option highlights the precise and focused nature of targeted therapy.