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Advances in combination therapy of lung cancer: Rationales, delivery technologies and dosage regimens
Lan Wu1, Donglei Leng2, Dongmei Cun1
1Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, China.
Abstract:
Lung cancer is a complex disease caused by a multitude of genetic and environmental factors. The progression of lung cancer involves dynamic changes in the genome and a complex network of interactions between cancer cells with multiple, distinct cell types that form tumors. Combination therapy using different pharmaceuticals has been proven highly effective due to the ability to affect multiple cellular pathways involved in the disease progression. However, the currently used drug combination designs are primarily based on empirical clinical studies, and little attention has been given to dosage regimens, i.e. how administration routes, onsets, and durations of the combinations influence the therapeutic outcome. This is partly because combination therapy is challenged by distinct physicochemical properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics of the individual pharmaceuticals, including small molecule drugs and biopharmaceuticals, which make the optimization of dosing and administration schedule challenging. This article reviews the recent advances in the design and development of combinations of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of lung cancer. Focus is primarily on rationales for the selection of specific combination therapies for lung cancer treatment, and state of the art of delivery technologies and dosage regimens for the combinations, tested in preclinical and clinical trials.
Insights
Optimizing drug combinations for lung cancer treatment requires careful consideration of dosage regimens and delivery technologies. This review highlights advances in rational drug selection and administration schedules for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Lung cancer is a complex disease driven by genetic and environmental factors, involving intricate tumor cell interactions.
- Combination therapy is effective but current designs rely on empirical data, neglecting crucial dosage regimen optimization.
- Individual drug properties pose challenges for optimizing combination therapy schedules and delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in designing pharmaceutical combinations for lung cancer treatment.
- To focus on rationales for selecting combination therapies and delivery technologies.
- To examine state-of-the-art dosage regimens in preclinical and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent scientific literature on lung cancer combination therapies.
- Analysis of drug selection rationales, delivery technologies, and dosage regimens.
- Inclusion of studies from preclinical and clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Advances in rational drug selection for lung cancer combination therapy.
- Development of novel drug delivery technologies for combination treatments.
- Exploration of optimized dosage regimens influencing therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Rational design and optimized delivery are key to advancing lung cancer combination therapy.
- Further research into dosage regimens is crucial for maximizing treatment efficacy.
- Integration of delivery technologies and tailored schedules promises improved patient outcomes.
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