What do antineoplastic agents, known as chemotherapy, specifically target?

Antineoplastic agents, commonly referred to as chemotherapy, are specifically designed to target and kill rapidly dividing cancer cells. These agents work by interfering with the processes that allow cancer cells to grow and divide, which is essential for tumor proliferation. The effectiveness of these drugs lies in their ability to disrupt the cancer cells' lifecycle, leading to cell death or the inhibition of further growth.

This targeted action is why chemotherapy is primarily used in the treatment of various cancers, where cancer cells often multiply at an accelerated rate compared to normal cells. While antineoplastic agents may also have effects on normal cells that divide rapidly, such as those in the bone marrow or gastrointestinal tract, their main therapeutic intention is to eradicate or control malignant cells within a tumor and target the underlying disease rather than addressing hormonal deficiencies, immune system disorders, or respiratory illnesses.