Targeted therapies in gynecologic cancers and melanoma

Eugenia Ortega1, Rosa M Marti, Andree Yeramian

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Dermatology, and Pathology, Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, University of Lleida-IRB Lleida, Lleida, Spain.

Insights

This review covers key molecular changes in endometrial, ovarian, and skin cancers. It highlights targeted therapies focusing on specific gene alterations and signaling pathways for improved cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Pathology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Endometrial and ovarian carcinomas and melanoma exhibit distinct molecular pathology alterations.
  • Understanding these genetic changes is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the primary molecular pathology alterations in endometrial and ovarian carcinomas and melanoma.
  • To identify promising therapeutic targets and signaling pathways for these cancers.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of molecular alterations in specific cancer types.
  • Analysis of targeted drug development and signaling pathway research.

Main Results:

  • Identified key molecular alterations in endometrial, ovarian carcinomas, and melanoma.
  • Highlighted promising drug candidates targeting frequently altered genes.
  • Pinpointed critical signaling pathways including tyrosine kinase receptor, RAS/B-RAF/MAPK, PI3K-mTOR, and apoptosis pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted therapies focusing on specific molecular alterations show promise for endometrial and ovarian carcinomas and melanoma.
  • Further research into these pathways could lead to novel cancer treatments.

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...
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.
Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
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...
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...