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Published on: April 11, 2016
Precision medicine in medical oncology: hope, disappointment and reality
Marie Bartoušková1, Bohuslav Melichar1
1Department of Oncology, Palacký University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
Abstract:
During the past 20 years, targeted therapy based on the understanding of tumor biology has been complementing or even replacing cytotoxic agents that have dominated pharmacotherapy of cancer since the conception of medical oncology. Unfortunately, the fact that targeted therapies with potential to induce cure or at least substantially prolong survival are still not available for many common solid tumors results in skepticism or even nihilism. On the one hand, biomarker research is not keeping pace with the introduction of new agents, while on the other hand, effective drugs are still not available for many potential molecular targets associated with malignant transformation and tumor progression. However, targeted therapies have already transformed the natural history and clinical outcomes not only in patients with rare malignancies like gastrointestinal stromal tumor but also with many common tumors, e.g. breast cancer, malignant melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer or renal cell carcinoma. For further advances, a multidisciplinary effort is indispensible that should, above all, involve the collaboration of medical oncology and laboratory medicine.
Insights
Targeted cancer therapy, guided by tumor biology, is revolutionizing treatment, offering improved outcomes for many cancers. Further advances require integrated efforts in medical and laboratory oncology.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacotherapy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Targeted therapy is increasingly replacing traditional cytotoxic agents in cancer treatment.
- Despite advances, targeted therapies are not yet available for all common solid tumors, leading to skepticism.
- Challenges include slow biomarker research and a lack of drugs for identified molecular targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of targeted therapy in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the successes and limitations of targeted therapies.
- To emphasize the need for multidisciplinary collaboration for future progress.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on targeted cancer therapy.
- Analysis of clinical outcomes in various cancer types.
- Discussion of the role of biomarkers and molecular targets.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for rare and common cancers, including breast cancer, melanoma, lung, and renal cell carcinoma.
- These therapies have transformed the natural history and clinical outcomes for many patients.
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumor is cited as an example of successful targeted therapy.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies have demonstrated transformative potential in oncology.
- Continued progress necessitates a multidisciplinary approach, particularly collaboration between medical oncology and laboratory medicine.
- Addressing the gap in biomarker research and drug development is crucial for expanding targeted therapy benefits.
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