Targeted therapies are a type of medical treatment designed to specifically attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which can affect all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapies focus on particular molecules or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer. This precision helps improve the effectiveness of the treatment and reduces side effects. These therapies often involve the use of monoclonal antibodies or small molecule inhibitors that block the signals that tell cancer cells to grow. By understanding the unique characteristics of a patient's tumor, doctors can tailor these treatments to improve outcomes, making them a promising option in the fight against cancer.