targeted therapy
This term describes a precision medicine approach that contrasts with traditional chemotherapy. While chemotherapy acts broadly on all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy is designed to interfere with specific molecular targets, thereby reducing damage to healthy tissues.
In a clinical context, the term is used as a technical medical descriptor. It is typically paired with specific drug classes, such as kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies, to specify the mechanism of action being employed in a patient's treatment plan.
Meanings
A form of cancer treatment that uses drugs or other substances to identify and attack specific proteins or genes that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer cells.
The patient was prescribed a targeted therapy that specifically inhibits the growth of the tumor's blood vessels.