Chemotherapy and signaling: How can targeted therapies supercharge cytotoxic agents?
Tetyana V Bagnyukova1, Ilya G Serebriiskii, Yan Zhou
1Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Abstract:
In recent years, oncologists have begun to conclude that chemotherapy has reached a plateau of efficacy as a primary treatment modality, even if toxicity can be effectively controlled. Emerging specific inhibitors of signaling and metabolic pathways (i.e., targeted agents) contrast with traditional chemotherapy drugs in that the latter primarily interfere with the DNA biosynthesis and the cell replication machinery. In an attempt to improve on the efficacy, combination of targeted drugs with conventional chemotherapeutics has become a routine way of testing multiple new agents in early phase clinical trials. This review discusses the recent advances including integrative systematic biology and RNAi approaches to counteract the chemotherapy resistance and to buttress the selectivity, efficacy and personalization of anti-cancer drug therapy.
Insights
Chemotherapy efficacy has plateaued. New targeted cancer therapies and combination treatments show promise for improving selectivity and effectiveness against drug resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Chemotherapy efficacy has plateaued, despite manageable toxicity.
- Traditional chemotherapy targets DNA synthesis and cell replication.
- Targeted agents inhibit specific signaling and metabolic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in anti-cancer drug therapy.
- To discuss strategies for overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
- To explore enhancing drug selectivity, efficacy, and personalization.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on targeted anti-cancer agents.
- Discussion of integrative systematic biology approaches.
- Exploration of RNA interference (RNAi) strategies.
Main Results:
- Combination therapy of targeted drugs with conventional chemotherapeutics is a common approach.
- Systematic biology and RNAi offer potential to counteract resistance.
- Advances aim to improve selectivity and efficacy of cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- Targeted agents represent a shift from traditional chemotherapy.
- Combination therapies and novel approaches are crucial for advancing cancer treatment.
- Future strategies focus on personalized and more effective anti-cancer drug therapies.
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