Classification of anticancer drugs: an update with FDA- and EMA-approved drugs

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Background:

• Anticancer systemic therapy encompasses a diverse and expanding range of drugs.
• Emerging novel agents often defy traditional classification categories like chemotherapy, hormones, tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a new, two-level classification system for anticancer systemic therapy.
• To address the challenge of categorizing novel anticancer agents with unique mechanisms of action.

Main Methods:

• Classification based on the site of drug action.
• Classification based on the molecular mechanism of drug action.

Main Results:

• The proposed classification identifies four primary sites of action: tumor cell, tumor vasculature, immune system, and endocrine system.
• The mechanism of action is defined by the specific molecular target of the drug.

Conclusions:

• A dual-level classification system (site and mechanism of action) provides a more effective framework for understanding and categorizing modern anticancer therapies.
• This classification aids in organizing the growing complexity of systemic anticancer drug options.