[Front line of molecular-targeted therapy for hematological malignancies]

Advances in the molecular biology and therapy of hematological malignancies have been made over the last decade. Understanding the basic cellular and molecular pathogenesis of malignant cells is vital to the development of novel treatment approaches. Recently, the expression profiles of all known genes in the human genome have been determined, and subtypes of hematological malignancies have been identified and classified using microarray technology. The expression profiles clusters of genes are useful not only to classify patients, but also to identify specific molecular targets for therapeutic intervention. Based on these investigations, more specifically targeted agents have been developed for the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, epigenetic agents, anti-angiogenic agents, and farnesyl transferase inhibitors. These new agents for targeted therapy have been introduced into the clinical setting and the outcome of the disease has markedly improved.