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Targeted Cancer Therapies

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 Therapies

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.
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Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...

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Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

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Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

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Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance

A New Technique for Treating Low-risk Prostate Cancer—Super Active Surveillance

Published on: November 7, 2025

Future prospects for targeted alpha therapy.

Barry J Allen¹

¹Centre for Experimental Radiation Oncology, St. George Cancer Centre, Gray St Kogarah NSW 2217 Australia. barry.allen@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Current Radiopharmaceuticals

|December 29, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) offers precise cancer cell elimination by tailoring requirements for isolated cells, clusters, and tumors. The Ac:Bi generator shows promise for practical clinical application in nuclear medicine.

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Area of Science:

Oncology
Nuclear Medicine
Radiotherapy

Background:

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) utilizes alpha-emitting radionuclides for cancer treatment.
Effectiveness of TAT depends on targeting isolated cells, clusters, or tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

Review the objectives and requirements for applying TAT in cancer therapy.
Discuss current and prospective alpha radiation sources for clinical use.
Examine the current status, strengths, weaknesses, and future of TAT.

Main Methods:

Literature review of TAT applications, alpha sources, and dosimetry.
Analysis of requirements for targeting different cancer cell types (isolated, clusters, tumors).
Discussion on the role of Monte Carlo calculations in TAT.

Main Results:

Specific requirements identified for targeting isolated cells (cellular targeting, high specific activity, short range), cell clusters (capillary permeability, short-range crossfire), and tumors (bioavailability, anti-capillary activity).
The Actinium-225/Bismuth-213 (Ac:Bi) generator is highlighted as a practical alpha source for nuclear medicine.
Current status of dose normalization, real-time microdosimetry, and biological dosimetry for TAT effects and toxicity is reviewed.

Conclusions:

TAT has distinct requirements based on cancer morphology, necessitating tailored approaches.
The Ac:Bi generator offers a practical pathway for clinical TAT implementation.
Further advancements in dosimetry and Monte Carlo calculations are crucial for TAT's clinical acceptance.