Therapies that target intracellular pathways are mostly oral therapies because:
A. ?medication resistance does not occur with targeted agents.
B. ?these medications are directed toward nonspecific molecules
C. ?there is a need for long-term inhibition of signaling.
D. ?these agents are responsible for initiating cell division.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is C. there is a need for long-term inhibition of signaling.
Targeted therapies that focus on intracellular pathways are predominantly administered orally because they often require prolonged inhibition of specific signaling pathways to effectively manage diseases such as cancer.
Explanation:
Intracellular signaling pathways are crucial for various cellular functions, including growth, survival, and differentiation. In many cancers, these pathways are dysregulated, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and survival. Targeted therapies aim to correct these abnormalities by inhibiting specific molecules within these pathways.
Oral administration of these therapies offers several advantages:
- Convenience and Compliance: Oral medications are easier for patients to take consistently, which is essential for maintaining the long-term treatment regimens often required for effective disease management.
- Sustained Drug Levels: Oral therapies can be formulated to provide steady drug concentrations over extended periods, ensuring continuous inhibition of the targeted signaling pathways.
- Systemic Distribution: Oral drugs are absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed throughout the body, allowing them to reach and act on cancer cells that may be disseminated or difficult to access.
In contrast, intravenous therapies may be more suitable for acute interventions or when rapid drug action is necessary. However, for chronic conditions requiring sustained therapy, oral administration is often preferred due to its practicality and the ability to maintain consistent therapeutic levels.
Therefore, the need for long-term inhibition of signaling pathways in the treatment of diseases like cancer makes oral targeted therapies a practical and effective choice.