Which of the following is a major consideration when developing cancer medications?

When developing cancer medications, a major consideration is preventing harm to normal cells. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often target rapidly dividing cells. However, these therapies can unintentionally affect healthy cells that also divide quickly, such as those in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, and hair follicles. Therefore, drug developers focus on creating medications that can specifically target malignant cells while sparing normal cells as much as possible to minimize side effects and improve the patient's quality of life.

This careful consideration is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of the treatment and reducing the adverse effects that patients experience. By refining drug formulations and delivery methods, researchers strive to achieve a balance between effective cancer treatment and patient safety, making this aspect a central focus in cancer pharmacology.