Overview of targeted therapies in oncology
1Pharmacy Communities Oncology Network Educator, BC Cancer Agency - Centre for the Southern Interior, 399 Royal Ave, Kelowna, BC, Canada V1Y 5L3. rkalyn@bccancer.bc.ca
Background:
Recent scientific advances have provided a map of the human genome along with a better understanding of the processes that transform healthy cells into diseased cells. This has led to the emergence of a new class of drugs called targeted therapies.
Objective:
To describe the classifications and basic pharmacology of targeted therapies.
Methods:
A literature search was performed for peer reviewed journal articles using Medline (1996-2007), Embase (1996-2007) and Google. The search was performed using keywords such as angiogenesis inhibitors, cancer vaccines, gene therapy, monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, proteasome inhibitors, targeted therapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Conclusions:
A review of the basic pharmacology is described in this article, including the following major categories of targeted therapies: * Small molecule drugs * Monoclonal antibodies * Apoptosis-inducing drugs * Angiogenesis Inhibitors * Cancer vaccines * Gene therapy.
Insights
Targeted therapies, a new class of drugs, leverage genomic insights to combat diseases. This review outlines their classifications and pharmacology, including small molecules and monoclonal antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Genomics
Background:
- Recent advances in human genome mapping and understanding cellular disease processes.
- Emergence of targeted therapies as a novel class of therapeutic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To classify and describe the fundamental pharmacology of targeted therapies.
- Provide an overview of major targeted therapy categories.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of peer-reviewed articles from Medline, Embase, and Google (1996-2007).
- Utilized keywords including 'angiogenesis inhibitors,' 'cancer vaccines,' 'gene therapy,' 'monoclonal antibodies,' 'small molecules,' 'proteasome inhibitors,' 'targeted therapy,' and 'tyrosine kinase inhibitors.'
Main Results:
- Identification and categorization of key targeted therapy classes.
- Detailed review of the basic pharmacology for each category.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement in medicine.
- Major categories include small molecule drugs, monoclonal antibodies, apoptosis-inducing drugs, angiogenesis inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and gene therapy.
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