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Classification of anticancer drugs--a new system based on therapeutic targets
Enrique Espinosa1, Pilar Zamora, Jaime Feliu
1Servicio de Oncología Médica, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain. eespinosa00@terra.es
Abstract:
The arrival of a great number of new antineoplastic agents has made it necessary to reclassify all of them. Anticancer drugs may act at different levels: cancer cells, endothelium, extracellular matrix, the immune system or host cells. The tumour cell can be targeted at the DNA, RNA or protein level. Most classical chemotherapeutic agents interact with tumour DNA, whereas monoclonal antibodies and small molecules are directed against proteins. The endothelium and extracellular matrix may be affected also by specific antibodies and small molecules.
Insights
New anticancer drugs require reclassification based on their targets, including cancer cells, the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment. This helps understand their diverse mechanisms of action in cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Pharmacology
Background:
- The development of numerous novel antineoplastic agents necessitates a revised classification system.
- Anticancer drugs exhibit diverse mechanisms, targeting various cellular and extracellular components.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a comprehensive reclassification of antineoplastic agents.
- To categorize drugs based on their specific molecular and cellular targets.
Main Methods:
- Review and analysis of existing and emerging antineoplastic drug classes.
- Categorization based on the level of action: cancer cells, endothelium, extracellular matrix, immune system, or host cells.
- Further classification of cancer cell targeting agents based on DNA, RNA, or protein interaction.
Main Results:
- Classical chemotherapeutic agents primarily target tumor DNA.
- Monoclonal antibodies and small molecules are predominantly directed against proteins.
- Endothelium and extracellular matrix can also be targeted by specific antibodies and small molecules.
Conclusions:
- A multi-level classification system is essential for understanding modern anticancer drug actions.
- This framework aids in comprehending the diverse therapeutic strategies in oncology.