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Therapy Testing in a Spheroid-based 3D Cell Culture Model for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Published on: April 20, 2018
Molecular targeted therapy: novel therapeutic approach for head and neck cancer
Swatantra Shrivastava1, Ravleen Nagi2, Saurabh Sharma3
1Department of Oral Medicine & Radiology, New Horizon Dental College & Research Institute, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India.
Abstract:
Cancer is a major public health burden worldwide, affecting millions of people each year. One of the major hallmarks of cancer is rapid growth and progression by evasion of host immune responses. Tumor resistance to conventional anticancer drugs by several mechanisms, such as drug inactivation, efflux pumps and enhanced toxicity to normal cells decreases their clinical efficacy. These limitations resulted in the development of new targeted agents, such as monoclonal antibodies and small molecule inhibitors that have high tumor specificity. This paper discusses the therapeutic applications of novel molecular targeted agents and immunotherapy as an alternative treatment option for head and neck cancers, as well as provides insight into future therapeutic approaches for advanced head and neck cancers.
Insights
Novel targeted agents and immunotherapy offer new hope for head and neck cancers, overcoming drug resistance and immune evasion common in this disease. Future approaches focus on advanced therapeutic strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cancer presents a significant global health challenge, characterized by immune evasion and resistance to conventional therapies.
- Conventional anticancer drugs face limitations including inactivation, efflux pumps, and toxicity to normal cells, reducing clinical efficacy.
- Tumor resistance and immune evasion are key hallmarks of cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss therapeutic applications of novel molecular targeted agents for head and neck cancers.
- To explore immunotherapy as an alternative treatment for head and neck cancers.
- To provide insights into future therapeutic strategies for advanced head and neck cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on targeted agents and immunotherapy in head and neck cancer.
- Analysis of mechanisms of drug resistance and immune evasion in cancer.
- Discussion of emerging therapeutic approaches and their potential clinical impact.
Main Results:
- Novel molecular targeted agents demonstrate high tumor specificity, overcoming some limitations of conventional chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy presents a promising alternative treatment option, harnessing the host immune system to fight cancer.
- Advanced therapeutic strategies are under development to improve efficacy for advanced head and neck cancers.
Conclusions:
- Targeted agents and immunotherapy represent significant advancements in head and neck cancer treatment.
- Overcoming drug resistance and immune evasion is crucial for improving patient survival.
- Future research should focus on innovative therapeutic combinations and personalized medicine approaches.
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