focal point in radiotherapy; target in biology/pharmacology
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
focal point where radiation beams converge during radiotherapy
formalA technical medical term. The target area is precisely calculated to maximize damage to the tumor while minimizing impact on surrounding healthy tissue.
Before formulating a radiotherapy plan, doctors must first precisely locate the target of the tumor.
This advanced radiotherapy equipment can more precisely control the beams to ensure the energy is completely focused on the target.
noun
target molecule; drug target in biology and pharmacology
formalIn modern life sciences, this term is widely used to refer to specific molecules (e.g., proteins, genes) that drugs or therapies are designed to act upon. This is a more common contemporary meaning than the original radiotherapy one.
The target of this new drug is a specific cell surface receptor.
Finding new drug targets is a critical step in modern drug development.
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Researchers are studying which protein of this virus can serve as a target for vaccine design.