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Targeted Cancer Therapies

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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.
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 22, 2026

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

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

Published on: August 25, 2021

Function-first approaches to improve target identification in cancer.

Michael S Kinch¹, Manu Kohli, Michael Goldblatt

¹Functional Genetics Inc, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA. mkinch@functional-genetics.com

Future Oncology (London, England)

|June 13, 2009

Summary

Cancer target discovery is advancing with a focus on functional relevance. Random homozygous gene perturbation offers a new method for identifying effective cancer therapeutics by screening all cellular targets.

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Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures

Utilizing Functional Genomics Screening to Identify Potentially Novel Drug Targets in Cancer Cell Spheroid Cultures

Published on: December 26, 2016

Area of Science:

Oncology
Genetics
Drug Discovery

Background:

The field of cancer target discovery is experiencing a resurgence, driven by the demand for more effective cancer therapeutics.
Current strategies increasingly prioritize targets with clear functional relevance to cancer progression.
Traditional methods are evolving to incorporate advanced screening technologies.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the historical evolution of cancer target discovery methodologies.
To introduce and discuss random homozygous gene perturbation as a novel approach.
To highlight the integration of functional criteria with comprehensive gene-based screening.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on cancer target discovery.
Explanation of the principles behind random homozygous gene perturbation.
Discussion of how this technology enables screening of all potential cellular targets.

Main Results:

The evolution of cancer target discovery shows a shift towards functional relevance.
Random homozygous gene perturbation represents a significant advancement in screening technology.
This method allows for unbiased identification of functionally critical targets.

Conclusions:

Functional relevance is paramount for successful cancer target discovery.
Random homozygous gene perturbation is a promising technology for identifying novel cancer targets.
Integrating functional screening with comprehensive gene perturbation advances therapeutic development.