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Testing Targeted Therapies in Cancer using Structural DNA Alteration Analysis and Patient-Derived Xenografts
Published on: July 25, 2020
Targeted therapies in epithelial ovarian cancer
Emma Dean1, Loaie El-Helw, Jurjees Hasan
1Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust / Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4BX, United Kingdom. jurjees.hasan@christie.nhs.uk.
Abstract:
Molecularly targeted therapy is relatively new to ovarian cancer despite the unquestionable success with these agents in other solid tumours such as breast and colorectal cancer. Advanced ovarian cancer is chemosensitive and patients can survive several years on treatment. However chemotherapy diminishes in efficacy over time whilst toxicities persist. Newer biological agents that target explicit molecular pathways and lack specific chemotherapy toxicities such as myelosuppression offer the advantage of long-term therapy with a manageable toxicity profile enabling patients to enjoy a good quality of life. In this review we appraise the emerging data on novel targeted therapies in ovarian cancer. We discuss the role of these compounds in the front-line treatment of ovarian cancer and in relapsed disease; and describe how the development of predictive clinical, molecular and imaging biomarkers will define the role of biological agents in the treatment of ovarian cancer.
Insights
Molecularly targeted therapy offers a promising new avenue for ovarian cancer treatment, potentially improving patient quality of life and managing persistent chemotherapy toxicities. This review explores novel targeted agents and the role of biomarkers in their application.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ovarian cancer treatment traditionally relies on chemotherapy, which faces diminishing efficacy and persistent toxicities over time.
- Molecularly targeted therapies have shown success in other solid tumors and represent a novel approach for ovarian cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging data on novel targeted therapies for ovarian cancer.
- To discuss the application of these agents in front-line and relapsed disease settings.
- To highlight the importance of predictive biomarkers in defining the role of targeted agents.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of emerging data on targeted therapies in ovarian cancer.
- Discussion of clinical, molecular, and imaging biomarkers.
- Appraisal of current and future treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies offer a manageable toxicity profile, distinct from traditional chemotherapy.
- These agents present an advantage for long-term treatment and improved quality of life.
- Biomarkers are crucial for identifying patient populations likely to benefit from targeted agents.
Conclusions:
- Novel targeted therapies are emerging as a significant advancement in ovarian cancer treatment.
- The integration of predictive biomarkers will be essential for optimizing the use of these agents.
- Targeted therapy holds the potential to improve long-term outcomes and patient well-being in ovarian cancer.
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