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Molecular characterization as a target for cancer therapy in relation to orphan status disorders (Review)
1Department of Oncology, 2nd Medical Division, Hippokration Hospital, University of Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
The long-term effort in investigating chemical methods to eliminate only cancer cells has improved our knowledge and has led to the development of new drugs. The targets for cancer treatment may be large polymeric molecules such as DNA or microtubules as well as regulatory pathways for tumor development and cell survival preservation or tyrosine kinase activity. Examples of new agents are: trastuzumab (Herceptin), a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the HER-2/neu proto-oncogene in combination with cytotoxic agents, is used in a percentage of breast cancer patients; signal transduction inhibitor of abl tyrosine kinase STI 571 (Glivec) has been shown to be an active treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia and GISTs; epidermal growth factor receptors in certain tumors have been targeted with agents such as C225 (Cetuximab) and ZD 1839 (IRESSA); an adenosine deaminase analogue of deoxyadenosine, Cladribine (2-chloro-2 deoxy-adenosine) has shown high effectiveness in hairy-cell leukemia and the multitargeted antifolate (Premetrexed) and several vaccines have been studied and are in clinical trials for resistant cancers. These new drug developments represent a promising field for future cancer management.
Insights
New cancer drugs target specific molecules like DNA or tyrosine kinase, offering promising treatments for various cancers including breast cancer and leukemia. These advancements represent a hopeful future for cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Cancer treatment research focuses on selectively eliminating cancer cells.
- Drug development targets key cellular components and pathways, including DNA, microtubules, and tyrosine kinase activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in chemical methods and drug development for cancer treatment.
- To highlight novel therapeutic agents and their targeted mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on cancer drug development.
- Identification and description of new therapeutic agents and their targets.
- Examples of targeted therapies including monoclonal antibodies, signal transduction inhibitors, and antifolates.
Main Results:
- Development of targeted therapies such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) for HER-2/neu positive breast cancer.
- Efficacy of signal transduction inhibitors like STI 571 (Gleevec) in chronic myeloid leukemia and GISTs.
- Targeting of epidermal growth factor receptors with agents like Cetuximab and IRESSA.
- Effectiveness of Cladribine in hairy-cell leukemia and ongoing trials for multitargeted antifolates and vaccines.
Conclusions:
- New drug developments targeting specific cancer pathways show significant promise.
- These targeted therapies represent a promising frontier in future cancer management strategies.
- Ongoing research and clinical trials continue to expand the arsenal against resistant cancers.