Targeted Therapy for Cancers: From Ongoing Clinical Trials to FDA-Approved Drugs

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Targeted therapies represent a significant advancement over traditional chemotherapy, offering improved efficacy and reduced side effects.
• The review focuses on the current landscape of targeted therapy in three major cancer types: lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of targeted therapy in lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
• To highlight key molecular targets and their corresponding US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs.
• To discuss emerging targets and ongoing clinical trials shaping the future of cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of targeted therapies and their molecular targets in specific cancers.
• Focus on FDA-approved drugs and drug candidates.
• Identification of key molecular pathways and genetic alterations targeted by these therapies.

Main Results:

• Lung Cancer: EGFR mutations and ALK rearrangements are targeted by FDA-approved drugs like osimertinib and crizotinib.
• Colorectal Cancer: VEGF and EGFR are key targets, with FDA-approved agents including bevacizumab and cetuximab.
• Prostate Cancer: Androgen Receptor (AR) signaling is targeted by enzalutamide, apalutamide, and darolutamide in castration-resistant cases.

Conclusions:

• Targeted therapies have revolutionized cancer treatment by precisely targeting molecular alterations.
• FDA-approved drugs demonstrate significant efficacy in lung, colorectal, and prostate cancers.
• Emerging targets and ongoing research promise further advancements in personalized cancer therapy.