Which aspect is NOT a characteristic of targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy is designed to specifically target cancer cells while sparing normal cells, leading to treatments that are more precise and often result in fewer general side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This specificity is a critical aspect of targeted therapies, as it allows for a more tailored treatment approach that takes advantage of particular molecular characteristics of cancer cells.

Given this understanding, the option referring to generalized side effects is not characteristic of targeted therapy. Traditional chemotherapy often produces a broad range of side effects due to its impact on both cancerous and healthy cells, but targeted therapies are engineered to minimize these side effects and improve tolerability for patients.

Moreover, targeted therapies are employed frequently in advanced stages of cancer to control disease progression or manage symptoms effectively, which is in alignment with current oncology practices. Thus, the utilization of targeted therapies corresponds significantly with the need for more personalized treatment strategies in oncology care.