The new generation of targeted therapies for breast cancer

Samira Syed1, Eric Rowinsky

  • 1Institute for Drug Development, Cancer Therapy and Research Center, University of Texas Health Sciences Center, USA.

Insights

Targeted therapies offer new hope for breast cancer treatment by focusing on molecular pathways, aiming for greater efficacy and reduced toxicity compared to traditional chemotherapy. This review explores novel agents and their potential in patient care.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Traditional breast cancer therapies target rapidly dividing cells, leading to significant toxicity and limited efficacy.
  • Advances in understanding tumor molecular biology reveal new targets for more selective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the development of novel targeted therapies for breast cancer.
  • To highlight promising strategies and their clinical potential.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on targeted therapies for breast cancer.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in tumor growth and metastasis.

Main Results:

  • Novel targeted therapies include inhibition of growth factor receptors, signal transduction pathways, angiogenesis, apoptosis modulation, and histone deacetylation.
  • These agents offer potential for improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies represent a promising advancement in breast cancer treatment.
  • Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize the use of these novel agents.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...