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Updated: May 28, 2026
Pre-clinical Evaluation of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors for Treatment of Acute Leukemia
Published on: September 18, 2013
Targeted treatment using monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine-kinase inhibitors in pregnancy
Alice A Robinson1, William J Watson, Kimberly K Leslie
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Abstract:
An expanding knowledge of the signalling pathways involved in the cell cycle has led to great improvements in the understanding of the molecular events involved in carcinogenesis. The past decade has seen substantial advances with the introduction of several classes of targeted therapeutics for the treatment of various cancers and autoimmune disorders. However, the question arises as to whether pregnant women can take advantage of these new treatments in view of the potential risks to the fetus. Published work suggests that biological agents, like traditional treatments, have the potential to affect the fetus, and should, therefore, be used with caution during pregnancy. However, when targeted treatment is clearly indicated the magnitude of the risk to the fetus might not reach that of standard chemotherapy. In circumstances where better alternative treatments do not exist, or where failure to use targeted treatments would result in suboptimum patient care or survival, the risk-benefit analysis might favour the use of potentially effective molecular treatment during pregnancy.
Insights
Targeted cancer therapies show promise during pregnancy, but risks to the fetus require careful consideration. Risk-benefit analysis is crucial when deciding on molecular treatments for pregnant patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Advances in understanding cell cycle signalling pathways have improved cancer treatment.
- Targeted therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune disorders have emerged.
- Concerns exist regarding the safety of these treatments during pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of targeted therapeutics in pregnant women.
- To analyze the potential risks of biological agents to fetal development.
- To guide clinical decision-making for using molecular treatments during pregnancy.
Main Methods:
- Review of published literature on targeted therapies and pregnancy outcomes.
- Analysis of risk-benefit profiles for molecular treatments versus standard chemotherapy.
- Assessment of fetal risks associated with biological agents.
Main Results:
- Biological agents, similar to traditional treatments, may pose risks to the fetus.
- The fetal risk from targeted therapy may be lower than from standard chemotherapy.
- Risk-benefit analysis may favor targeted treatments when alternatives are limited.
Conclusions:
- Use of targeted therapeutics during pregnancy requires cautious consideration of fetal risks.
- In specific clinical scenarios, the benefits of targeted treatments may outweigh potential fetal risks.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the safety of novel therapeutics in pregnant populations.
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