Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 21, 2026
Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
[Targeted therapy and breast cancer: state of the art]
D Molnar-Stanciu1, V Guimas, A Bensalem
1Service d'oncologie médicale, CHU Jean-Minjoz, boulevard Flemming, 25000 Besançon, France.
Context:
Scientific advances in molecular biology and understanding of oncogenesis have lead to anticancer molecular targeted therapies. They encompass monoclonal antibodies binding to active membrane epitopes and small molecules interfering with enzymatic reactions essential to cancer cell survival (oncogene addiction). These pathways may be optimal targets. Clinical benefits achieved using these targeted agents have been outstanding both in localized and metastatic disease.
Method:
We conducted a survey of literature analyzing activity and safety of targeted agents approved by FDA and/or FDA for the treatment of patients with breast cancer: anti-HER2 and antiangiogenic agents.
Results:
Activity and main toxicities of these targeted agents are described according to signaling pathway targeted as well as stage of breast cancer.
Conclusions:
Availability of these targeted therapies has indeed transformed the outcome of subgroups of breast cancer to the expense of acceptable and manageable side effects, as compared to classical cytotoxics to which they are nevertheless combined.
Insights
Molecular targeted therapies, including anti-HER2 and antiangiogenic agents, have significantly improved breast cancer treatment outcomes. These targeted treatments offer manageable side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Context:
- Advances in oncogenesis and molecular biology have spurred the development of anticancer molecular targeted therapies.
- Targeted agents include monoclonal antibodies and small molecules that interfere with cancer cell survival pathways.
- These therapies have demonstrated significant clinical benefits in both localized and metastatic breast cancer.
Purpose:
- To review the activity and safety of FDA-approved targeted agents for breast cancer treatment.
- Analysis focuses on anti-HER2 and antiangiogenic agents.
- Evaluation considers signaling pathways and breast cancer stages.
Summary:
- A literature survey analyzed targeted agents for breast cancer, specifically anti-HER2 and antiangiogenic therapies.
- The review details the activity and primary toxicities of these agents.
- Findings are categorized by targeted signaling pathway and breast cancer stage.
Impact:
- Targeted therapies have transformed outcomes for specific breast cancer subgroups.
- These agents offer acceptable and manageable side effects compared to classical cytotoxics.
- Targeted therapies are often used in combination with traditional chemotherapy.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:56Treatment Resistent Cancers
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
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...