Molecular targeted therapies for solid tumors: management of side effects

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Targeted therapies offer novel treatment strategies for solid tumors.
• Inhibitors of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling are key molecular agents.
• Understanding their side effect profiles is crucial for effective clinical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of side effects associated with targeted agents.
• To categorize targeted agents based on their mechanisms of action.
• To offer guidance on managing adverse events in cancer patients.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on targeted therapies for solid tumors.
• Classification of targeted agents into monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and serine/threonine kinase inhibitors.
• Synthesis of information on common and specific side effects.

Main Results:

• Molecular targeted therapies are generally well tolerated.
• Inhibition of VEGF, EGF, and mTOR pathways can lead to specific side effects in healthy tissues.
• Multitargeted agents may present a higher incidence of adverse events.
• Specific side effects are linked to the targeted pathways and drug class.

Conclusions:

• Targeted therapies, while effective, require careful monitoring for side effects.
• Management strategies for adverse events are available and essential for patient care.
• Personalized treatment approaches considering potential toxicities are important in oncology.