Targeted therapies are a type of medical treatment designed to specifically attack cancer cells or other diseases while minimizing damage to healthy cells. These therapies often focus on particular genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that contribute to the growth and survival of cancer. By targeting these specific factors, doctors aim to improve treatment effectiveness and reduce side effects compared to traditional therapies like chemotherapy. These treatments can be used alone or in combination with other therapies, such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Examples of targeted therapies include monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors, which are designed to interfere with specific pathways involved in disease progression.