Related Experiment Video

Updated: Nov 14, 2025

Author Spotlight: Developing Multiplexed Kinetic Assays for Organoid-Based Drug Response Analysis
09:13

Author Spotlight: Developing Multiplexed Kinetic Assays for Organoid-Based Drug Response Analysis

Published on: January 5, 2024

1.6K

Novel anticancer drugs approved in 2020

Jing Li1, Ruquan Wang1, Jianjun Gao1

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University Medical College, Qingdao, Shandong, China.

Drug Discoveries & Therapeutics
|March 11, 2021
PubMed

Insights

In 2020, new molecular entities and biologics advanced anticancer drug development. Approved therapies included small molecule inhibitors, antibodies, and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) to combat cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology
  • Drug Development

Background:

  • Cancer remains a significant global health threat with a substantial unmet clinical need for effective treatments.
  • Anticancer drug research and development are crucial for improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review novel anticancer drugs approved in 2020 across major markets (US, EU, Japan, China).
  • To highlight key advances in molecular entities and therapeutic biologics for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of drug approvals in 2020.
  • Analysis of approved anticancer drugs, categorizing them by type (small molecule inhibitors, antibodies, antibody drug conjugates).

Main Results:

  • The primary anticancer drugs approved in 2020 were small molecule inhibitors targeting oncogenes, antibodies, and antibody drug conjugates (ADCs).
  • These approvals represent significant progress in targeted cancer therapy and biologic drug development.

Conclusions:

  • The approved anticancer drugs in 2020 demonstrate a trend towards targeted therapies and advanced biologic agents.
  • Future anticancer drug development is expected to focus on novel agents with enhanced target specificity and mechanisms to overcome drug resistance.
Keywords:
ChinaEUJapanUSanticancerdrugs

More Related Videos

Method for Novel Anti-Cancer Drug Development using Tumor Explants of Surgical Specimens09:26

Method for Novel Anti-Cancer Drug Development using Tumor Explants of Surgical Specimens

Published on: July 29, 2011

16.9K
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer07:59

Author Spotlight: Advancements in Molecular Biomarker Testing for Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Published on: September 8, 2023

1.4K

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,...
76
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
8.1K
Cancer Therapies02:49

Cancer Therapies

Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
9.0K
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...
3.5K
Cancer Vaccines01:30

Cancer Vaccines

Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
618
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine02:50

Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine

Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
5.6K