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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Molecular targets and targeted therapeutics in endometrial cancer
Britta Weigelt1, Susana Banerjee
1Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, London, UK.
Purpose Of Review:
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynaecological malignancy in the western world. Two clinicopathological subtypes are recognized: type I (endometrioid) and type II (nonendometrioid) carcinomas. This review describes the molecular alterations in endometrial cancer and how this knowledge is leading to the development of novel treatments in this area.
Recent Findings:
Molecularly targeted agents have entered clinical trials in endometrial cancer. So far, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents appear promising and are being pursued further in addition to other targeted approaches.
Summary:
The clinicopathological and molecular heterogeneity of endometrial cancer needs to be taken into account in the design of future clinical trials as well as the incorporation of robust biomarkers for the success of therapeutic strategies in endometrial cancer.
Insights
This review covers molecular changes in endometrial cancer, a common gynecological malignancy. Understanding these alterations is key to developing new treatments like mTOR inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents.
Area of Science:
- Gynecological Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Endometrial cancer is the most frequent gynecological malignancy in Western countries.
- Two main subtypes exist: type I (endometrioid) and type II (non-endometrioid) carcinomas.
- Understanding the molecular basis of endometrial cancer is crucial for advancing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular alterations identified in endometrial cancer.
- To discuss how this molecular knowledge informs the development of novel therapeutic approaches.
- To highlight the importance of considering tumor heterogeneity in future clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article, synthesizing existing research on endometrial cancer molecular alterations.
- Literature search focused on molecular targets and their clinical trial outcomes.
- Analysis of data from clinical trials investigating targeted agents.
Main Results:
- Molecularly targeted agents are now being evaluated in clinical trials for endometrial cancer.
- Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors and antiangiogenic agents show promise.
- Further targeted approaches are under investigation, building on initial findings.
Conclusions:
- The molecular and clinicopathological heterogeneity of endometrial cancer must guide future clinical trial design.
- Incorporating robust biomarkers is essential for the success of therapeutic strategies.
- Personalized treatment approaches tailored to specific molecular profiles are likely to improve outcomes.
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