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Updated: May 23, 2026
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Published on: July 3, 2013
Combining imaging and pathway profiling: an alternative approach to cancer drug discovery
Neil O Carragher1, Valerie G Brunton, Margaret C Frame
1Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, UK. N.Carragher@ed.ac.uk
Abstract:
Conventional drug discovery strategies are typically 'target centric' based on the selection of lead compounds with optimised 'on-target' potency and selectivity profiles. However, high-attrition rates are often the result of compensatory or redundant cancer mechanisms and the fact that tumours do not find it difficult to escape inhibition of a single pathway. In this article, we highlight two emerging and complimentary technologies; namely phenotypic imaging and post-translational pathway profiling, which when combined with relevant disease models can provide pharmacodiagnostic and drug combination strategies that predict and counteract inherent and adaptive drug resistance. The implementation of such approaches at early stages of the drug discovery process enables more informed decisions on candidate drug selection and how to maximise and predict efficacy before clinical development.
Insights
Conventional cancer drug discovery faces challenges due to tumor adaptability. This study introduces phenotypic imaging and pathway profiling to predict and overcome drug resistance, improving candidate selection for better efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Traditional drug discovery focuses on single targets, often failing due to cancer's complex compensatory mechanisms.
- High attrition rates in drug development stem from tumors' ability to bypass single-pathway inhibition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate phenotypic imaging and post-translational pathway profiling as complementary technologies.
- To demonstrate how these technologies can predict and counteract drug resistance in cancer.
- To enhance early-stage drug discovery decision-making for improved efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing phenotypic imaging to assess drug effects on cellular phenotypes.
- Employing post-translational pathway profiling to analyze cellular signaling networks.
- Integrating these technologies with relevant disease models.
Main Results:
- Phenotypic imaging and pathway profiling offer predictive insights into drug response.
- These methods facilitate the development of pharmacodiagnostic and drug combination strategies.
- Early implementation aids in selecting drug candidates with higher predicted efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic imaging and pathway profiling are crucial for overcoming drug resistance in cancer.
- These approaches enable more informed decisions in early drug discovery.
- Combining these technologies with disease models maximizes predicted therapeutic efficacy before clinical trials.
