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Targeted Cancer Therapies

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 Therapies

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...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

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...

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

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...

Targets for Drug Action: Overview

Targets for Drug Action: Overview

Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

Published on: July 25, 2020

[Molecular targeted therapy].

F Stenner-Liewen¹, A Zippelius, B C Pestalozzi

¹Klinik und Poliklinik für Onkologie, Universitätsspital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Schweiz. Frank.Stenner@usz.ch

Der Chirurg; Zeitschrift Fur Alle Gebiete Der Operativen Medizen

|November 17, 2006

Summary

Cancer treatment has evolved beyond surgery and chemotherapy with the advent of targeted therapy. This fourth modality, including antibody-based drugs like rituximab, offers new hope for patients with solid tumors.

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Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells

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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts

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Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down

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Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells

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Area of Science:

Oncology
Pharmacology

Context:

Traditional cancer treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy have limitations in efficacy and duration, particularly for solid tumors.
The mid-1990s saw emerging concepts for novel cancer therapies, including antibody-based treatments and gene-specific approaches.
The landscape of cancer treatment was significantly altered by key drug approvals in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Purpose:

To provide an overview of the development and emergence of targeted therapy as a distinct modality in cancer treatment.
To highlight the transformative impact of specific targeted agents on oncologic care.

Summary:

Historically, cancer treatment relied on surgery, radiotherapy, and cytostatic chemotherapy, often yielding limited success for solid tumors.
The introduction of targeted therapies, exemplified by rituximab (1997) and imatinib (2001), marked a paradigm shift in cancer treatment.
These targeted agents transformed theoretical concepts into clinical realities, broadening therapeutic options and improving patient outcomes.

Impact:

Targeted therapy represents a significant advancement, offering a fourth pillar of cancer treatment alongside traditional modalities.
The success of early targeted drugs has reshaped pharmaceutical research, clinical practice, and patient expectations in oncology.
This development signifies a move towards more precise and potentially more effective cancer interventions.