Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies
07:29

Studying Pancreatic Cancer Stem Cell Characteristics for Developing New Treatment Strategies

Published on: June 20, 2015

20.2K

Drug approval challenges in the age of personalized cancer treatment

Richard L Schilsky1

  • 1Section of Hematology-Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 2115, IL 60637, USA. rschilsk@medicine.bsd.uchicago.edu.

Personalized Medicine
|May 20, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Cancer treatment is evolving towards targeted therapies and immunotherapy for better effectiveness and less toxicity. Personalized medicine, using biomarkers, aims to improve outcomes and reduce costs, despite remaining challenges.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Traditional cancer treatments (cytotoxic drugs) lack specificity, harming both tumor and healthy cells.
  • Emerging therapies focus on unique molecular targets or modulating the immune system against cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the evolution of cancer treatment strategies.
  • To highlight the potential of personalized medicine in oncology.
  • To identify barriers to realizing personalized cancer care.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current trends in cancer therapy development.
  • Analysis of targeted agents and immunotherapies.
  • Discussion of biomarker-defined populations in treatment selection.

Main Results:

  • Shift from non-specific cytotoxic drugs to targeted agents and immunotherapy.
  • Biomarker-driven approaches enable personalized cancer treatment.
  • Potential for improved effectiveness, reduced toxicity, and lower costs.

Conclusions:

  • Personalized cancer treatment offers significant advantages over traditional methods.
  • Biomarker-defined populations are key to successful personalized oncology.
  • Overcoming barriers is crucial for widespread adoption of personalized cancer care.
Keywords:
biomarkerscompanion diagnosticdrug resistancemolecular targetstargeted therapy

More Related Videos

The NeuroStar TMS Device: Conducting the FDA Approved Protocol for Treatment of Depression10:29

The NeuroStar TMS Device: Conducting the FDA Approved Protocol for Treatment of Depression

Published on: November 12, 2010

40.6K
In vivo Imaging and Therapeutic Treatments in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer07:46

In vivo Imaging and Therapeutic Treatments in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Ovarian Cancer

Published on: August 17, 2010

34.6K

Related Concept Videos

FDA Approved Drugs: Changes to Approved Drugs01:26

FDA Approved Drugs: Changes to Approved Drugs

Post-approval, manufacturers may modify an approved new or generic drug product. Such modifications can encompass alterations in the Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), manufacturing process, formulation, batch size, manufacturing site, and container closure system (FDA Guidance for Industry, April 2004). Often, a drug product may undergo multiple changes.These modifications require careful evaluation to determine their potential impact on the drug product's identity, strength, quality,...
273
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...
3.8K
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption01:22

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Absorption

As individuals age, their body's physiology evolves, affecting drug pharmacokinetics. The most apparent changes occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where an increase in gastric pH, a delay in gastric emptying, and a reduction in gastrointestinal motility are observed. Remarkably, these changes do not substantially modify the absorption of orally administered drugs, particularly those absorbed via passive diffusion.Transdermal drug delivery emerges as a highly viable method for older adults due...
713
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution01:00

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Distribution

Drug distribution in the human body is influenced by several factors, including plasma protein concentration, body composition, blood flow, tissue-protein concentration, and tissue fluid pH. Among these, changes in plasma protein concentration and body composition due to aging significantly affect how drugs are distributed within the body. Specifically, aging is associated with a decrease in albumin levels by about 10% and an increase in α1-acid glycoprotein levels. These alterations are...
264
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Metabolism

Geriatric patients show significant variation in how their bodies process medications, which can change how effective and safe treatments are. The liver is the primary organ where drug metabolism occurs, involving two main types of chemical reactions: phase I and II. Phase I metabolism is driven by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which includes key types such as CYP3A, CYP2D6, and CYP2C9. Research indicates that while aging doesn't notably alter the levels or activity of these enzymes, it...
223
Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion01:18

Pharmacokinetics in Geriatric Patients: Effect of Age on Drug Excretion

In geriatric patients, renal physiology undergoes significant changes, including diminished renal blood flow and a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR), leading to alterations in medication clearance. Drugs such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, lithium, and digoxin, which rely on glomerular filtration for removal from the body, particularly impact pharmacokinetics. These drugs tend to have slower clearance rates in older adults, necessitating careful dosage considerations.Evaluation of renal...
259