Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
Profiling Sensitivity to Targeted Therapies in EGFR-Mutant NSCLC Patient-Derived Organoids
Published on: November 22, 2021
Impact of targeted neoadjuvant therapies in the treatment of solid organ tumours
1Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Downs Road, Sutton SM2 5PT, UK.
Background:
The advent of affordable technologies to perform detailed molecular profiling of tumours has transformed understanding of the specific genetic events that promote carcinogenesis and which may be exploited therapeutically. The application of targeted therapeutics has led to improved outcomes in advanced disease and this approach is beginning to become established in the management of potentially curable disease for surgical patients.
Methods:
This review article focuses on recent developments in the management of operable cancers of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, specifically discussing the currently available data that evaluate the incorporation of targeted therapies in this setting.
Results:
A variety of targeted molecules are now available as treatment options in the management of GI cancers. Most are aimed at growth inhibition by acting on cell surface targets or intracellular pathways. Treatment paradigms are gradually shifting towards more prevalent use of systemic treatment prior to surgical intervention for operable disease with the aim of tumour downsizing and improved rates of long-term cure.
Conclusion:
A large number of ongoing clinical trials are evaluating novel targeted agents as neoadjuvant therapy in operable GI tumours. Therefore, further progress in the management of early-stage disease will undoubtedly be made over the next few years as these trials continue to report potentially practice-changing results.
Insights
Targeted therapies are revolutionizing gastrointestinal cancer treatment, offering new systemic options before surgery for operable tumors. Ongoing trials promise further advancements in early-stage disease management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Affordable molecular profiling technologies have advanced the understanding of cancer-driving genetic events.
- Targeted therapeutics have improved outcomes in advanced cancers and are increasingly used in operable disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent developments in managing operable gastrointestinal (GI) cancers.
- To evaluate the incorporation of targeted therapies in this setting.
Main Methods:
- Review article focusing on recent advancements.
- Analysis of current data on targeted therapy use in operable GI cancers.
Main Results:
- Targeted molecules are available for GI cancer treatment, primarily inhibiting growth via cell surface or intracellular pathways.
- Treatment is shifting towards systemic therapy before surgery to downsize tumors and improve cure rates.
Conclusions:
- Numerous clinical trials are assessing novel targeted agents as neoadjuvant therapy for operable GI tumors.
- Future years will likely see practice-changing results from ongoing trials, advancing early-stage disease management.
Related Concept Videos
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...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy