Which type of therapy specifically targets cancer cells while minimizing harm to normal cells?

Targeted therapy is designed to specifically attack cancer cells by focusing on the unique characteristics and mechanisms of those cells, such as specific genetic mutations or proteins that are more prevalent in cancerous cells compared to normal cells. This precision allows for a more selective approach in treatment, which helps minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue. By contrasting with other therapies, targeted therapy ensures that the treatment is directed more towards cancerous growths, potentially resulting in fewer side effects and improved patient outcomes.

Chemotherapy typically affects rapidly dividing cells, which can include both cancerous and healthy cells, leading to a range of side effects. Hormone therapy works by blocking the body's natural hormones that fuel certain types of cancer, but it doesn't specifically target the cancer cells themselves and can impact normal hormone levels, causing side effects. Radiation therapy targets localized tumors but can also affect adjacent healthy tissue, leading to collateral damage.

The specificity and selectivity of targeted therapy make it a pivotal choice in modern oncological treatments, as it aims to improve therapeutic efficacy while reducing harm to normal cells.