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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
A national cancer clinical trials system for targeted therapies
1University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. jmendelsohn@mdanderson.org
Abstract:
Today, modern technologies in genomics, biomarker detection, and molecular imaging are providing information that will enable physicians to select appropriate treatments for individual cancer patients from among more than 800 new experimental drugs and antibodies that target the products of the aberrant genes that can cause cancer. At this promising time in cancer research, the U.S. National Cancer Institute-sponsored collaborative clinical trials program needs an overhaul in its operations and an infusion of adequate funding. The process of clinical trial design, review for approval, and implementation must be streamlined to make it more efficient. Multiple stakeholders in the academic, governmental, and commercial sectors must better integrate their efforts. Improvements must be made in the incorporation of new technologies, prioritization, and timely completion of trials, and provision of financial support that covers actual costs. The result will be more rapid translation of recent scientific advances into increased benefits for patients with cancer.
Insights
Modern cancer research offers targeted treatments, but clinical trials need significant operational improvements and funding. Streamlining processes and enhancing collaboration will accelerate translating scientific advances to patient benefits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genomics
- Biomarker Detection
- Molecular Imaging
Background:
- Advancements in genomics, biomarker detection, and molecular imaging enable personalized cancer treatment selection.
- Over 800 experimental drugs and antibodies targeting aberrant cancer genes are available for clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for an overhaul of the U.S. National Cancer Institute-sponsored collaborative clinical trials program.
- To highlight the need for improved efficiency, funding, and stakeholder integration in cancer clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- The abstract discusses the current state of cancer research and clinical trials.
- It identifies areas for improvement in the clinical trial process, including design, review, and implementation.
- It emphasizes the need for better integration of stakeholders and new technologies.
Main Results:
- Current clinical trial operations require streamlining for greater efficiency.
- Enhanced collaboration among academic, governmental, and commercial sectors is crucial.
- Increased funding is necessary to cover actual costs and support timely trial completion.
Conclusions:
- Streamlining clinical trial processes and improving stakeholder integration will accelerate the translation of scientific discoveries.
- Adequate financial support is essential for the timely completion of trials.
- These improvements will ultimately lead to greater benefits for cancer patients.
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