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Published on: March 29, 2019
Identification of molecular targets in urologic oncology
1Department of Urology, Davis School of Medicine, University of California, 4860 Y St., Suite 3500, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA. cpevans@ucdavis.edu
Objectives:
Molecular targets in cancer diagnosis and therapy have come to the fore of the oncology field in the last decade. Their identification is rooted in basic science investigation and enhanced knowledge in the fields of genetics, biochemistry, molecular and tumor biology, and pathology among others.
Methods:
A medical literature search in English using MEDLINE/PUBMed was performed on the topics of molecular targets, targeted therapy, and biomarkers in the areas of bladder, prostate, and renal cancers. This information was analyzed and combined with the author's personal knowledge in the identification and development of molecular targets. Data is included from the author's laboratory regarding examples of target development and clinical translation.
Results:
Molecular targets are often biomarkers; either prognostic ones that reflect the natural history of the cancer or predictive ones that reflect the impact of a therapy. Molecular targets in urologic cancer may arise from four sources: the host, the tumor, as a result of a treatment, or associated with a specific disease stage. Understanding the continuum of targets through the progression of a urologic cancer is central to the translational applications of diagnostics, individualized medicine and targeted therapeutics. Urologists are most familiar with targeted therapy in renal cancer with the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Yet, herein are examples of biomarkers and targets across the spectrum of urologic tumors, stages and treatments.
Conclusions:
Identification of events, signals, and pathways in urologic cancer are opportunities to develop biomarkers and targets for diagnosis and treatment.
Insights
Identifying molecular targets and biomarkers is crucial for advancing cancer diagnosis and therapy. This research explores their role in urologic cancers, offering insights for personalized medicine.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Pathology
Background:
- Molecular targets have gained prominence in cancer diagnosis and therapy over the past decade.
- Identification relies on advancements in genetics, biochemistry, molecular tumor biology, and pathology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review molecular targets and biomarkers in bladder, prostate, and renal cancers.
- To analyze target development and clinical translation in urologic oncology.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search of MEDLINE/PubMed for molecular targets, targeted therapy, and biomarkers.
- Analysis of existing literature combined with author's expertise and laboratory data.
Main Results:
- Molecular targets often function as prognostic or predictive biomarkers.
- Targets in urologic cancers originate from the host, tumor, treatment, or disease stage.
- Understanding target progression is key for diagnostics, personalized medicine, and targeted therapeutics.
Conclusions:
- Identifying molecular events, signals, and pathways in urologic cancers presents opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker development.
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