Targeted Therapy Vs Chemotherapy

Targeted therapy is a form of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to precisely identify and attack cancer cells, while sparing normal cells. This approach is based on the unique characteristics of cancer cells, such as specific genetic mutations or proteins that are involved in their growth and survival. By targeting these specific pathways, targeted therapies are designed to be more effective and cause fewer side effects compared to traditional treatments. Examples include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, which can block the growth and spread of cancer by interfering with the molecular targets responsible for tumor growth.

Chemotherapy, on the other hand, is a systemic treatment that uses powerful chemicals to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body. Unlike targeted therapies, chemotherapy does not differentiate between cancerous and healthy cells, which can lead to significant side effects. It works by disrupting the cell division process, effectively targeting cells that divide quickly, which is a hallmark of cancer. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or radiation, and is particularly effective for certain types of cancer, but its broad approach can result in collateral damage to normal tissues, leading to side effects like nausea, hair loss, and immune suppression.