New strategies to develop new medications for lung cancer and metastasis

Yujie Zhao1, Alex A Adjei

  • 1Department of Medicine, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY, 14263, USA.

Insights

Targeted therapies have improved survival for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but a cure for advanced NSCLC remains elusive. New strategies are needed to prevent metastasis and overcome treatment resistance for better patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Significant advancements in cancer treatment over the last decade, driven by molecular biology and genomics.
  • Development of targeted therapies for nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has led to improved survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the unmet need for a cure in advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
  • To explore novel approaches for preventing cancer metastasis and overcoming therapeutic resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent progress in lung cancer treatment.
  • Analysis of targeted therapy efficacy and limitations in NSCLC.

Main Results:

  • Targeted therapies have shown significant improvements in survival for NSCLC patients.
  • Universal resistance to initial therapies and the lethal nature of metastatic disease persist.

Conclusions:

  • Despite progress, advanced NSCLC remains incurable.
  • Preventing metastasis and overcoming therapy resistance are crucial for achieving long-term survival in advanced NSCLC patients.

Related Concept Videos

Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.1K
Metastasis02:30

Metastasis

Metastasis is the spread of cancer cells from the original site to distant locations in the body. Cancer cells can spread via blood vessels (hematogenous) as well as lymph vessels in the body.
Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or EMT is a developmental process commonly observed in wound healing, embryogenesis, and cancer metastasis. EMT is induced by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) or receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ligands, which further...
6.0K
Treatment Resistant Cancers02:56

Treatment Resistant Cancers

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. A cancer cell is genetically unstable and hence can mutate faster. They can also modify their microenvironment and escape immune surveillance. The difficulties in treating cancer are further compounded by the emergence of rapid resistance to anticancer drugs. The most common ways to attain resistance in cancer cells include alteration in drug transport and metabolism, modification of drug target, elevated DNA damage response, or...
3.5K
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
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...
5.6K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
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...
9.1K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management01:29

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management

Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
2.9K