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The offer of chemistry to targeted therapy in cancer
Ikram Jemel1, Karim Jellali, Jihene Elloumi
1Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Sfax University, BP 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
Abstract:
Cancer therapy is facing the big challenge of destroying selectively tumour cells without harming the normal tissues. Chemotherapy was trying from the beginning to kill malignant cells because of their proliferative activity since normal cells are in general quiescent. Meanwhile side effects were produced due to the destruction of some normal cells that need regular proliferation. The discovery of biomarkers led to the identification of molecular targets within tumour cells in order to kill them selectively. Chemistry followed the progress of biomarkers biotechnology by the production of target specific antagonists which were the subject of many patents. Meanwhile novel problems of tumour resistance appeared and made the battle against cancer a non stop development of new strategies and new weapons. As a consequence, paralleled activities of patenting biomarkers and chemical antagonists are continuously generated. The offer of chemistry does not actually limit the efficiency of Targeted therapy but the identification of biomarkers is still missing the exclusive specificity to tumour cells.
Insights
Targeted cancer therapy aims to selectively destroy tumor cells using specific molecular targets. However, challenges remain due to tumor resistance and the need for highly specific biomarkers for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biotechnology
- Medicinal Chemistry
Background:
- Traditional chemotherapy non-selectively targets rapidly dividing cells, causing side effects.
- Advancements in biomarker discovery enable the identification of molecular targets for selective cancer cell destruction.
- Tumor resistance presents an ongoing challenge, necessitating continuous development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evolution of cancer therapy strategies focusing on selective tumor cell targeting.
- To discuss the role of biomarkers and chemical antagonists in targeted therapy.
- To highlight the challenges and future directions in developing more effective cancer treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature and patent databases related to cancer therapy, biomarkers, and targeted drug development.
- Analysis of the interplay between biomarker discovery, biotechnological advancements, and chemical antagonist production.
- Examination of the emergence of tumor resistance mechanisms and their impact on therapeutic efficacy.
Main Results:
- Biomarker discovery has facilitated the development of targeted therapies with improved selectivity.
- Chemistry has responded with the production of numerous target-specific antagonists, reflected in extensive patenting activities.
- A significant limitation remains the lack of exclusive specificity of identified biomarkers for tumor cells, impacting treatment effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapy represents a significant advancement in cancer treatment, moving beyond non-selective chemotherapy.
- Continued research into highly specific biomarkers is crucial for enhancing the efficacy and reducing the toxicity of targeted cancer therapies.
- The parallel development of biomarkers and chemical antagonists drives innovation but requires addressing tumor resistance and biomarker specificity.
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