How does targeted therapy function in breast cancer treatment?

Targeted therapy functions in breast cancer treatment by specifically aiming at unique molecular targets associated with cancer cells. This approach involves understanding the specific characteristics of the tumor, such as mutations or overexpressed proteins, that differentiate cancer cells from normal cells. By identifying these targets, targeted therapies can inhibit pathways that promote cancer cell growth and survival, thereby effectively slowing down or even stopping cancer progression.

For example, medications like trastuzumab (Herceptin) target the HER2 protein, which is overexpressed in some breast cancers, leading to more personalized and effective treatment options. This contrasts significantly with generic treatments that do not consider the specific biology of the cancer, which might not provide optimal results for every patient.

The other options describe general or non-specific approaches to cancer treatment, which are not in line with the focused nature of targeted therapy. While enhancing radiation effectiveness or boosting immune response can play roles in cancer treatments, they do not encompass the primary mechanism of action for targeted therapies in breast cancer specifically.