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Updated: May 26, 2026
10:27
Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Tumor control versus adverse events with targeted anticancer therapies
Dorothy M K Keefe1, Emma H Bateman
1Mucositis Research Group, Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Level 4 East Wing, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia. dorothy.keefe@ health.sa.gov.au
Nature Reviews. Clinical Oncology
|December 21, 2011
Summary
Targeted anticancer therapies show promise but have yielded mixed results due to toxicity and cost. Continued research is vital for optimizing personalized cancer medicine and improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted anticancer therapies have emerged as a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
- Initial promise included increased cure rates and reduced toxicity, but outcomes have been mixed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the successes and failures of targeted anticancer agents.
- To propose strategies for optimizing the development and use of targeted therapies for personalized cancer medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on targeted anticancer therapies.
- Analysis of clinical trial data regarding efficacy, toxicity, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies have demonstrated benefits in specific cancers like breast, lung, and renal, improving progression-free survival.
- Significant challenges remain, including disappointing tumor responses, unexpected toxicity, and high financial costs.
Conclusions:
- Despite limitations, targeted therapies remain crucial for future cancer treatment paradigms.
- Optimizing personalized medicine requires tailoring both anticancer treatments and antitoxicity strategies for improved quality and quantity of life.
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