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Updated: May 30, 2026
Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Targeted drug therapies and cancer
1The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Downs Road, Sutton, Surrey SM2 5PT, UK. yimkl2000@hotmail.com
Abstract:
With the progress of research in molecular biology and greater understanding of cell signalling systems emerge an increasing array of potential targets for the therapy of cancer. While traditional chemotherapy aims to elicit tumour cell death, it also produces undesirable side effects on physiologically proliferating cells. By isolating cell surface receptors which link specific intracellular secondary messenger pathways, researchers are increasingly able to define the biological network which drives cellular function. Of importance are routes involved in malignant transformation, proliferation, survival and angiogenesis. Thus targeted therapy is directed to specific differential growth processes particular to malignant tumours. The principle mode of action generally involves the "lock-and-key" mechanism and identifying the "Achilles' heel" for drug action. Various targeted agents have been studied and many have translated into significant clinical benefit. This chapter will describe some examples which illustrate the role of this approach in gastrointestinal cancers.
Insights
Targeted cancer therapy uses molecular biology to target specific cancer cell pathways, minimizing side effects. This approach offers significant clinical benefits, especially in gastrointestinal cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Traditional chemotherapy causes side effects by affecting healthy cells.
- Cancer cells have specific molecular targets on their surface.
- Understanding cell signaling pathways is crucial for cancer therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore targeted therapy as a treatment for cancer.
- To highlight the role of cell surface receptors in targeted drug action.
- To illustrate the application of targeted therapy in gastrointestinal cancers.
Main Methods:
- Identifying cell surface receptors and their associated signaling pathways.
- Defining the molecular "Achilles' heel" of cancer cells.
- Reviewing clinical studies of targeted agents.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapy offers a more precise approach to cancer treatment.
- Specific molecular targets can be effectively inhibited.
- Significant clinical benefits have been observed with targeted agents.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
- This approach minimizes damage to healthy proliferating cells.
- Targeted therapy shows promise for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.
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