Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test 2025 - Free AOCNP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary benefit of targeted therapy in cancer treatment is that it focuses on specific pathways involved in cancer growth. Targeted therapies are designed to interfere with particular molecules or genetic abnormalities that are present in cancer cells but not in normal cells. This allows clinicians to tailor treatments according to the unique characteristics of an individual’s cancer. By specifically targeting these pathways, the therapy can be more effective in stopping or slowing the cancer's progression while sparing normal cells, which often helps in reducing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

While it is true that targeted therapies can lead to fewer side effects, this is a secondary benefit compared to the key aspect of their mechanism of action—targeting specific growth pathways. Additionally, the notion that targeted therapies can eliminate all cancer cells immediately does not align with the reality of cancer treatment, as cancers often develop resistance or have multiple pathways that need to be addressed. Lastly, targeted therapies are not universally applicable to all cancer types since their effectiveness depends on the presence of specific targets in the cancer cells; they are not one-size-fits-all solutions.