Review: side effects of approved molecular targeted therapies in solid cancers

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Recent years have seen significant progress in biologically based cancer therapies.
• Molecular-targeted therapies are now standard in clinical practice for solid tumors.
• These therapies target specific molecules, which are also present in normal cells, leading to potential toxicities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the toxicity and safety profiles of molecular-targeted therapies used in solid tumors.
• To discuss the pathophysiology of toxicities associated with these drugs.
• To explore strategies for the prevention and management of treatment-related adverse events.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on small molecules and monoclonal antibodies for solid tumors.
• Analysis of the pathophysiology underlying drug-induced toxicities.
• Examination of the correlation between molecular targets, drug response, and toxicity.

Main Results:

• Molecular-targeted therapies, while generally well-tolerated, can cause unique and severe toxicities in sensitive patients.
• Understanding the expression of molecular targets in normal cells is crucial for predicting toxicity.
• Effective management and prevention strategies are essential for optimizing patient outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Molecular-targeted therapies represent a major advance in cancer treatment but require careful safety monitoring.
• Pathophysiological insights aid in understanding and managing drug toxicities.
• Proactive strategies for prevention and management are key to maximizing the benefit of these therapies.