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Related Concept Videos

Treatment Resistent Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistent Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
Cancer02:18

Cancer

Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
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.
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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.
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Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
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Drug Discovery: Overview

Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...

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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Implementation of In Vitro Drug Resistance Assays: Maximizing the Potential for Uncovering Clinically Relevant Resistance Mechanisms
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Published on: December 9, 2015

Anticancer drug development: the grand challenges.

William N Hait1

  • 1Ortho Biotech Oncology Research and Development, 920 Route 202, Raritan, New Jersey 08869, USA. Whait@its.jnj.com

Nature Reviews. Drug Discovery
|April 7, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Developing new anticancer drugs faces significant hurdles, slowing the delivery of life-saving cancer medicines. Addressing these challenges in oncology research and development is crucial for faster therapeutic progress.

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

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Published on: February 6, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Translational Medicine

Background:

  • Significant investments in oncology research and development (R&D) have not proportionally translated into substantial improvements in cancer treatment outcomes.
  • The journey from scientific discovery to clinically effective anticancer drugs is often protracted and fraught with difficulties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify and analyze the primary obstacles hindering the development of novel anticancer therapeutics.
  • To propose potential strategies for overcoming these challenges and accelerating the delivery of new cancer medicines to patients.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature on oncology R&D processes.
  • Analysis of historical data on drug development timelines and success rates.
  • Identification of common failure points in preclinical and clinical trials for anticancer agents.

Main Results:

  • Key challenges include high attrition rates in clinical trials, complex regulatory pathways, and the biological heterogeneity of cancer.
  • Lack of predictive biomarkers and insufficient understanding of tumor resistance mechanisms contribute to developmental failures.
  • The high cost of R&D and the need for innovative trial designs are also significant factors.

Conclusions:

  • Addressing the slow translation of oncology R&D requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved preclinical models, adaptive clinical trial designs, and enhanced collaboration.
  • Focusing on targeted therapies and immunotherapies, alongside strategies to overcome drug resistance, is essential.
  • Streamlining regulatory processes and fostering public-private partnerships can expedite the availability of effective anticancer drugs.