Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 3, 2026

Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
10:27

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

Published on: July 25, 2020

An introduction to molecular targeted therapy of cancer

H Allgayer1, S Fulda

  • 1Department of Experimental Surgery, Joint Unit Molecular Oncology of Solid Tumors, DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) Heidelberg, Mannheim Medical Faculty, Ruprecht Karls University Heidelberg, Germany. heike.allgayer@chir.ma.uni-heidelberg.de

Advances in Medical Sciences
|July 25, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Molecular targeted therapies offer new cancer treatments by targeting specific molecular structures. This review explores the concept and provides examples of these advanced therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Recent advances in understanding cancer molecular targets.
  • Identification of numerous potential therapeutic targets.
  • Current exploitation of identified targets in drug development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce the concept of molecular targeted therapies.
  • To provide prototypic examples of molecular targeted therapies.
  • To bridge the gap between molecular discoveries and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent scientific literature.
  • Analysis of identified molecular targets in human cancers.
  • Compilation of existing and emerging therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • Elucidation of diverse molecular targets in human cancers.
  • Development of novel therapeutics based on these targets.
  • Successful clinical application of several targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular targeted therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
  • The identification of molecular targets is crucial for developing effective therapies.
  • Continued research in this area promises further breakthroughs in oncology.

More Related Videos

Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells09:37

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

Published on: August 25, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

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 Therapies02:57

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...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

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...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
Tumor Immunotherapy01:27

Tumor Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...