Adverse events of targeted anticancer therapies: what radiologists need to know

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Radiology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Cancer treatment has advanced significantly due to improved understanding of tumor biology.
• Novel therapeutic strategies, including targeted therapy and immunotherapy, have emerged.
• These treatments target specific cancer-related signaling pathways or modulate the immune system.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the classification and mechanisms of novel cancer therapeutics.
• To highlight the importance of understanding treatment-related adverse effects for radiologists.
• To emphasize the role of imaging in assessing patients undergoing these advanced therapies.

Main Methods:

• Review of targeted therapy and immunotherapy classifications based on mechanisms of action.
• Discussion of common targeted agents, such as VEGF inhibitors, EGFR inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (CTLA-4, PD-1/PD-L1).
• Emphasis on the radiologist's role in recognizing and managing treatment-induced toxicities.

Main Results:

• Targeted therapies and immunotherapies represent a paradigm shift in cancer care.
• Diverse classes of drugs target specific molecular pathways or immune checkpoints.
• New adverse effects associated with these treatments require radiologic recognition.

Conclusions:

• Understanding the molecular basis of targeted therapies and immunotherapies is crucial.
• Radiologists must be knowledgeable about the spectrum of adverse effects.
• Accurate imaging assessment is vital for effective patient management and treatment monitoring.