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Esophagogastric cancer: targeted agents
1Ludwig Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
Cancer Treatment Reviews
|February 4, 2010
Summary
Targeted therapies show promise for advanced esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric cancers. This review covers pre-clinical data and clinical trials for agents targeting pathways like epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Locally advanced and metastatic esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric cancers have a poor prognosis.
- Targeted therapies are increasingly being integrated into treatment regimens for these cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pre-clinical data and the rationale for targeting specific molecular pathways in advanced gastrointestinal cancers.
- To summarize the clinical trial results, including Phase III evaluations, of targeted agents.
Main Methods:
- Review of pre-clinical studies investigating targeted pathways.
- Summary of clinical trial data for targeted agents.
- Analysis of completed and ongoing Phase III evaluations.
Main Results:
- Several molecular targets are being investigated, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and cell cycle regulators.
- Pre-clinical data support the rationale for targeting these pathways.
- Clinical trials are ongoing, with some Phase III evaluations completed.
Conclusions:
- Targeted agents represent a promising approach to improve outcomes for patients with advanced esophageal, gastroesophageal junction, and gastric cancers.
- Further clinical evaluation is crucial to establish the efficacy and safety of these targeted therapies.
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