Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026

06:19
Screening Ion Channels in Cancer Cells
Published on: June 16, 2023
Targeted therapies for solid tumors: current status and future perspectives
1Burson Marsteller AG, Grubenstrasse 40, Zürich, Switzerland. toula.stoffel@bm.com
Summary
Molecular targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors, offer precise treatments for solid tumors with fewer side effects. These therapies target key cancer pathways, improving patient quality of life and treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Targeted therapies offer improved selectivity and reduced adverse effects for solid malignancies.
- Molecular targeted therapies provide customized treatment by inhibiting cancer development and metastasis pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging targeted therapies for solid tumors.
- To focus on tyrosine kinase inhibitors and their mechanisms of action.
Main Methods:
- Review of approved monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small-molecule inhibitors.
- Discussion of ongoing clinical trials for various tumor types.
- Focus on targeted disruption of receptor signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- Several targeted therapies are approved for colorectal, breast, head and neck, non-small cell lung, and renal cell cancers.
- Ongoing trials investigate targeted therapies for lung, gastric, cervical, uterine melanoma, and brain tumors.
- Tyrosine kinase inhibitors are a key focus among small-molecule inhibitors.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies, including mAbs and small-molecule inhibitors, are effective in treating solid tumors.
- These therapies selectively disrupt essential tumor cell signaling pathways.
- Further development and investigation of targeted therapies continue across diverse cancer types.
Related Concept Videos
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...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
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...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
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...
Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
Treatment Resistant 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...
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...
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...

