Targeted cancer therapies

Insights

The development of targeted cancer therapies has advanced significantly, offering new treatments for cancer. This review covers successful drugs, challenges in development, and future opportunities, particularly for China.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The genomic era has led to a deeper understanding of cancer's molecular underpinnings.
  • Numerous targeted cancer therapies are in development, aiming at specific oncogenic drivers.
  • Clinical trials for these targeted agents show varied success rates.

Discussion:

  • This editorial reviews currently marketed and late-stage clinical targeted cancer drugs.
  • It highlights key challenges encountered in developing molecular targeted therapies.
  • Potential strategies to overcome these developmental hurdles are discussed.

Key Insights:

  • Successful targeted cancer therapies offer new treatment avenues.
  • Overcoming challenges in targeted drug development is crucial for advancing cancer care.
  • China has emerging opportunities in the field of targeted cancer agents.

Outlook:

  • This editorial introduces a series on targeted cancer therapies, focusing on major pathways and drugs.
  • Future publications will provide in-depth reviews of specific targeted agents and their mechanisms.
  • The series aims to inform researchers and clinicians about the evolving landscape of targeted cancer treatments.

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...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...