[Targeted therapies of cancer: not lost in translation]
1Hôpital Edouard-Herriot, Oncologie médicale, Pavillon E, 5, place d'Arsonval, 69437 Lyon Cedex. blay@lyon.fnclcc.fr
Abstract:
The term "targeted therapies" designs treatments directed towards molecular targets present on or within tumor cells, and contributing to the process of malignant transformation. These can be categorized in several different groups: 1) Targeted therapies directed against molecular targets which play the initial and critical role in neoplastic transformation; these treatment generally yield high response rates as single agent treatment. 2) Targeted therapies on late molecular targets contributing to tumor progression, but which do not correspond to the initial event; these treatments provide limited response rates as single agent but most often improve progression free and/or overall survival in combination with cytotoxic treatments. When the molecular target is present in tumor cells, but does not contribute to neoplastic transformation, these agents are generally non active in an in vivo setting. These observations point out the need to introduce translational research as a key element to schedule and evaluate the activity of novel targeted agents in the clinics.
Insights
Targeted therapies focus on molecular targets in cancer cells. Understanding their role in transformation is key to effective clinical use and evaluating new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Context:
- Targeted therapies are treatments aimed at specific molecular targets within tumor cells that drive cancer growth.
- These therapies can be broadly classified based on the role of their molecular targets in cancer development.
Purpose:
- To categorize targeted therapies based on their molecular targets' roles in neoplastic transformation and tumor progression.
- To highlight the importance of translational research in evaluating the clinical efficacy of novel targeted agents.
Summary:
- Targeted therapies acting on early molecular targets yield high response rates as single agents.
- Therapies targeting late molecular targets offer limited single-agent responses but improve survival when combined with chemotherapy.
- Agents targeting non-transformational molecular targets show minimal in vivo activity.
Impact:
- This classification aids in predicting treatment response and optimizing the use of targeted therapies.
- Emphasizes the critical role of translational research in advancing targeted cancer treatment strategies.
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