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Molecular therapeutics: promise and challenges

Elise C Kohn1, Yiling Lu, Hongwei Wang

  • 1Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.

Seminars in Oncology
|March 31, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Analyzing tumor genetic and epigenetic changes enables personalized cancer medicine. This approach promises more effective, less toxic therapies tailored to individual patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Proteomics
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • Global analysis of genetic and epigenetic aberrations in tumors is advancing.
  • Functional genomics and proteomics offer insights into cancer pathophysiology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To translate advances in cancer genomics and proteomics into clinical applications.
  • To highlight the need for novel clinical trial designs for targeted therapeutics.
  • To emphasize the potential of individualized molecular medicine in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Global analysis of genetic and epigenetic aberrations.
  • Functional genomics and proteomics.
  • Chemical genomics.
  • Development of targeted therapeutics.
  • Novel clinical trial designs.

Main Results:

  • Emerging technologies provide a comprehensive understanding of cancer pathophysiology.
  • Linking genomics, proteomics, and chemical genomics expands targeted therapeutic options.
  • New drugs are becoming available for clinical evaluation.

Conclusions:

  • Individualized molecular medicine, based on patient-specific tumor genetics, will revolutionize cancer therapy.
  • This approach promises more effective treatments with reduced toxicity.
  • The integration of advanced technologies is crucial for realizing the potential of precision oncology.

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