Is targeted therapy safe, or does it also cause serious side effects?
Targeted therapy is often considered a more advanced and precise cancer treatment compared to traditional chemotherapy. It works by focusing on specific genetic mutations, receptors, or pathways that fuel cancer growth. This precision approach helps reduce damage to healthy cells, making targeted therapy appear safer and more tolerable for many patients. However, while it offers a gentler experience for most individuals, it is important to understand that targeted therapy is not completely free from side effects. Each drug affects different biological pathways, so safety can vary depending on the type of therapy and the individual’s health condition. The treatment may be more focused, but it can still interfere with normal cellular functions, leading to both mild and occasionally serious reactions. How Targeted Therapy Differs from Chemotherapy Chemotherapy attacks fast-growing cells—including healthy cells in the hair, gut, and bone marrow—leading to common side effects like hair loss...