[Molecular targeted therapies]

Hideharu Kimura1, Kazuto Nishio

  • 1Department of Genome Biology, Kinki University School of Medicine.

Insights

Cancer treatments are evolving beyond chemotherapy to include targeted therapies. Predictive biomarkers are crucial for personalizing cancer care and improving patient outcomes with these new treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Translational Medicine

Context:

  • Cancer treatment is shifting from traditional cytotoxic chemotherapies to targeted and biological therapies.
  • Targeted therapies are increasingly integrated into standard cancer treatment protocols.
  • Variability in patient response necessitates personalized medicine approaches.

Purpose:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of molecular targeted agents in cancer therapy.
  • To highlight the role and importance of predictive biomarkers.
  • To discuss novel adaptive clinical trial designs incorporating biomarkers.

Summary:

  • This review examines the evolution of cancer treatment paradigms towards targeted therapies.
  • It emphasizes the critical role of predictive biomarkers in optimizing patient response and guiding personalized medicine strategies.
  • The review also explores innovative clinical trial designs that integrate biomarker discovery and validation.

Impact:

  • Facilitates a deeper understanding of targeted cancer therapies and their associated biomarkers.
  • Informs the development of personalized medicine strategies for improved cancer patient outcomes.
  • Guides the integration of biomarker-driven approaches in future clinical trial designs and cancer care.

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...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
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...
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...
Targets for Drug Action: Overview01:26

Targets for Drug Action: Overview

Drugs target macromolecules to modify ongoing cellular processes. Primary drug targets include receptors, ion channels, transporters, and enzymes.
Receptors are either membrane-spanning or intracellular proteins, which upon binding a ligand, get activated and transmit the signal downstream to elicit a response. Drugs bind receptors, either mimicking the action of endogenous ligands or blocking the receptor activity to bring about a modified response. Nearly 35% of approved drugs target the G...