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Targeted Therapy: Attacking Cancer with Molecular and Immunological Targeted Agents
1Oncology Nursing Consultant, Kilauea, HI, USA.
Abstract:
Today, personalized cancer therapy with targeted agents has taken center stage, and offers individualized treatment to many. As the mysteries of the genes in a cell's DNA and their specific proteins are defined, advances in the understanding of cancer gene mutations and how cancer evades the immune system have been made. This article provides a basic and simplified understanding of the available (Food and Drug Administration- approved) molecularly and immunologically targeted agents in the USA. Other agents may be available in Asia, and throughout the USA and the world, many more agents are being studied. Nursing implications for drug classes are reviewed.
Insights
Personalized cancer therapy uses targeted drugs to treat patients. This review covers FDA-approved molecular and immune agents in the USA, with nursing implications discussed.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- Personalized cancer therapy is a leading treatment approach.
- Advances in understanding cancer genetics and immune evasion are driving new therapies.
- Targeted agents offer individualized treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a simplified overview of FDA-approved molecular and immunological targeted agents in the USA.
- To review nursing implications for these drug classes.
Main Methods:
- Review of available Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved targeted agents.
- Focus on molecularly and immunologically targeted therapies.
- Inclusion of nursing implications for different drug classes.
Main Results:
- Overview of current FDA-approved targeted agents for cancer treatment in the USA.
- Identification of key drug classes and their mechanisms.
- Discussion of nursing considerations for administering these therapies.
Conclusions:
- Targeted agents represent a significant advancement in personalized cancer care.
- Understanding available agents and their nursing implications is crucial for effective patient treatment.
- Ongoing research continues to expand the landscape of cancer therapeutics.
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