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Published on: July 25, 2020
Multi-targeted approach to cancer treatment: an international translational cancer research symposium
Kapil Mehta1, Varsha Gandhi2, Sen Pathak3
1Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, U.S.A. kmehta@mdanderson.org.
Abstract:
Whether it is chronic myeloid leukemia, ALK-expressing malignancies, or HER2-positive breast cancer, targeted-therapies for treatment of human cancers have shown great promise. However, as they hit a single molecule expressed in neoplastic cells, their use is frequently associated with development of resistance. In cancer cells many signaling pathways operate in parallel, hence the idea of multi-targeted therapy is prevailing. The Society of Translational Cancer Research held its biennial meeting in the capital city of India, Delhi from February 6th through 9th, 2014 to discuss 'Multi-targeted Approach to Treatment of Cancer'. Over 200 scientists, clinicians, trainees, and industry representatives from different countries gathered in Vigyan Bhavan, the hotspot of Delhi for four days to talk and discuss on a variety of topics related to multi-targeted therapeutic approaches. Talks were presented by leaders in the cancer research field from various countries. It became clear from this conference that coupling multiple targeted-agents or using an agent that hits an individual target in several independent locations in the disease-causing pathway(s) may be the best approach to treat different cancers.
Insights
Multi-targeted cancer therapy shows promise for overcoming treatment resistance. Combining multiple agents or targeting multiple pathways may be the most effective strategy for treating various cancers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Translational Cancer Research
Background:
- Targeted therapies offer promise for treating cancers like chronic myeloid leukemia, ALK-expressing malignancies, and HER2-positive breast cancer.
- Resistance to single-molecule targeted therapies is a significant challenge in cancer treatment due to parallel signaling pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss multi-targeted approaches for cancer treatment.
- To explore strategies for overcoming resistance to targeted therapies.
Main Methods:
- A biennial meeting of the Society of Translational Cancer Research was held in Delhi, India.
- Over 200 international scientists, clinicians, trainees, and industry representatives gathered.
- Discussions focused on various topics related to multi-targeted therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- The conference highlighted the potential of multi-targeted therapy.
- Coupling multiple targeted agents is a promising strategy.
- Targeting individual targets in multiple locations within disease pathways may improve efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Multi-targeted approaches are crucial for effective cancer treatment.
- Combining therapies or using agents that hit multiple pathway locations can overcome resistance.
- This strategy represents a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
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