Which characteristic is a disadvantage of traditional cancer therapies compared to VTP?

Higher systemic toxicity is a significant disadvantage of traditional cancer therapies when compared to Vascular Targeted Photodynamic (VTP) therapy. Traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, often affect not only the targeted tumor cells but also healthy tissues throughout the body. This can lead to a range of side effects and complications due to the drug's systemic nature, causing damage to organs and healthy cells.

In contrast, VTP focuses on selectively targeting cancer cells through the use of photosensitizers that are activated by light. This targeted approach allows for localized treatment, minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues and reducing overall systemic toxicity. The reduction of side effects means that patients undergoing VTP often experience fewer adverse reactions compared to those receiving conventional therapies. Therefore, the characteristic of higher systemic toxicity is a clear disadvantage of traditional cancer therapies compared to the more localized and targeted approach of VTP.