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Biologic approaches to the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancy
1Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.
Abstract:
Though new agents have recently been approved for the treatment of gastrointestinal malignancies, cure rates remain low and survival times of patients short. Because of these discouraging numbers, there is a vigorous search for new agents and new strategies. This article reviews some of these strategies and the status of agents in clinical development. Though an exhaustive search is impossible and the field is changing so rapidly, the agents selected here for discussion may be considered representative of others. Discussed here are agents targeting the vascular endothelial growth factor as an example of an angiogenesis inhibitor, and agents targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, the ras oncogene, and the immune system.
Insights
New gastrointestinal cancer treatments show promise but have low cure rates. Research focuses on novel agents targeting angiogenesis, growth factor receptors, and the immune system for improved patient survival.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal malignancies have poor prognoses despite recent therapeutic advancements.
- There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies to improve cure rates and patient survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging therapeutic strategies and agents in clinical development for gastrointestinal cancers.
- To discuss representative novel agents targeting key molecular pathways.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on novel agents for gastrointestinal malignancies.
- Focus on agents targeting angiogenesis, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), ras oncogene, and the immune system.
Main Results:
- Several novel agents targeting angiogenesis (e.g., vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors) are under investigation.
- Agents targeting EGFR, ras oncogene, and immune checkpoints represent other promising therapeutic avenues.
Conclusions:
- Despite challenges, ongoing research into novel targeted therapies offers hope for improved outcomes in gastrointestinal cancer.
- Targeted agents represent a significant frontier in the fight against gastrointestinal malignancies.