Which stages are appropriate for targeted therapy?

Which stages are appropriate for targeted therapy?

• A. Stage 0
• B. Stage I-IV
• C. Stage II-III
• D. Stage III only

Answer: (B)

Targeted therapy hinges on the tumor’s specific molecular abnormalities rather than the stage alone. If a cancer across various stages harbors an actionable mutation or receptor overexpression, a targeted agent can be used to interfere with that driver, whether as neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or palliative treatment. Stage 0 is non-invasive and typically managed with local therapies rather than systemic targeted drugs, so targeted therapy isn’t generally appropriate there. Therefore, stages I through IV encompass invasive disease where targeted therapy can be applied based on molecular profiling, making Stage I–IV the best answer.

Targeted therapy hinges on the tumor’s specific molecular abnormalities rather than the stage alone. If a cancer across various stages harbors an actionable mutation or receptor overexpression, a targeted agent can be used to interfere with that driver, whether as neoadjuvant, adjuvant, or palliative treatment. Stage 0 is non-invasive and typically managed with local therapies rather than systemic targeted drugs, so targeted therapy isn’t generally appropriate there. Therefore, stages I through IV encompass invasive disease where targeted therapy can be applied based on molecular profiling, making Stage I–IV the best answer.