What role do targeted therapies play in modern cancer treatment?
Targeted therapies are drugs designed to specifically attack cancer cells without harming normal cells. These therapies focus on specific genetic mutations or proteins that drive cancer growth. For instance, drugs like Herceptin target the HER2 protein in breast cancer, while Gleevec targets the BCR-ABL fusion protein in chronic myeloid leukemia. Targeted therapies have improved outcomes for patients with specific genetic profiles, making personalized medicine a reality.
