Ace the Oncology Nursing Game: 2025 Chemo-Bio Certification Practice Test Adventure!

Targeted therapy is designed to specifically attack genetic mutations present in tumors, which distinguishes it from other forms of cancer treatment that may have broader effects. This approach utilizes drugs or other substances to more precisely identify and interfere with the molecular targets involved in cancer growth, progression, and spread. By focusing on the specific genetic abnormalities that lead to cancer, targeted therapies can often spare normal, healthy cells, leading to potentially fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.

In contrast, chemotherapy typically targets rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately, which includes both cancerous and normal cells. Immunotherapy works by enhancing the body's immune response to recognize and combat cancer, but it is not classified as targeted therapy since it does not specifically focus on the genetic mutations present in tumors. Supportive therapy, on the other hand, addresses symptoms and side effects but does not directly target cancer cells or mutations. Hence, the characteristic of targeting specific genetic mutations in tumors makes targeted therapy a distinct and effective approach in cancer treatment.