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ERBB2 in pediatric cancer: innocent until proven guilty
1Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 332 N. Lauderdale Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA. Richard.Gilbertson@stjude.org
Abstract:
Adult oncologists and their research colleagues have "led the charge" in the war on cancer. Their efforts have generated effective new chemotherapies that target cancer causing molecular alterations. It is hoped that these successes will be repeated within the pediatric oncology community. Testing whether molecular targeted therapies of adult cancers are also effective against childhood cancers might allow the rapid introduction of these exciting new agents into the pediatric clinic. However, it is imperative that we do not introduce blindly these agents into the pediatric population. We must ensure that molecular targets in adult cancers also fulfill a number of important criteria within the pediatric disease. This review addresses the issues surrounding the identification of molecular targets in pediatric cancers by focusing on studies of the ERBB2 oncogene.
Insights
Pediatric oncologists can adapt adult cancer therapies by verifying molecular targets, like the ERBB2 oncogene, are also relevant in childhood cancers. This ensures safe and effective introduction of targeted treatments for pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Adult oncology has made significant strides with molecularly targeted chemotherapies.
- Translating these successes to pediatric oncology requires careful validation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the criteria for identifying molecular targets in pediatric cancers.
- To assess the potential of adult-targeted therapies for childhood cancers, using ERBB2 as a case study.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on molecular targets in adult and pediatric cancers.
- Analysis of the ERBB2 oncogene as a model for target validation.
Main Results:
- Molecular targets effective in adult cancers may not be directly applicable to pediatric cancers.
- The ERBB2 oncogene serves as an example for evaluating target relevance in childhood malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous validation of molecular targets is crucial before introducing adult therapies into pediatric oncology.
- Understanding specific pediatric cancer biology is essential for successful targeted therapy development.
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