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Potential Successes and Challenges of Targeted Cancer Therapies
Dorothy M K Keefe1, Emma H Bateman1
1Mucositis Research Group, Discipline of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Monographs
|August 20, 2019
Summary
Targeted anticancer therapies (TATs) show success in treating advanced cancers but often require combination treatments and can cause toxicity due to off-target effects. Further research is needed to optimize their use and manage side effects.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted anticancer therapy (TAT) has been a focus in cancer treatment for over 20 years.
- Despite advancements, TATs are rarely effective as monotherapy and often necessitate combination with traditional treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
- The anticipated benefit of reduced toxicity with TATs has not been fully realized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the successes and limitations of targeted anticancer therapies.
- To discuss the mechanisms of toxicity associated with TATs.
- To highlight the ongoing challenges and future directions in targeted cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on targeted anticancer therapies.
- Analysis of the mechanisms of action and toxicity of TATs.
- Evaluation of clinical outcomes and challenges in current TAT applications.
Main Results:
- TATs have transformed fatal cancers into chronic conditions and improved outcomes for previously untreatable cancers.
- Toxicity remains a significant issue, stemming from the presence of targets on normal cells and cross-reactivity.
- The mechanisms of drug action and toxicity are often intertwined, complicating toxicity management.
Conclusions:
- Targeted anticancer therapies offer significant clinical benefits but require combination strategies and careful toxicity management.
- Understanding and mitigating off-target effects are crucial for improving the safety and efficacy of TATs.
- Continued research is essential to overcome the challenges and fully harness the potential of targeted cancer treatments.
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