Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 14, 2025
Identifying PD-1/PD-L1 Inhibitors with Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology
Published on: May 2, 2025
[Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: Positioning in the field of innovation and challenges for the therapeutic
Carole El Chami1, Nicolas Meunier-Beillard2, Christine Binquet3
1Inserm, CTM UMR1231, université de Bourgogne, 21000 Dijon, France; Labex LipSTIC, ANR-11-LABX-0021, université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France.
Abstract:
The better understanding of the molecular, cellular, and immunological mechanisms of cancer has led to the development of targeted therapies, then immunotherapy, which have changed the approach to cancer treatment. While these treatments differ from chemotherapy in their mechanisms of action, they also allow for increased personalization of cancer care through the development of technologies that target patients more precisely. However, they are associated with several challenges: the management of uncertainty associated with their risk-benefit balance due to the lack of long-term data and sometimes scientific evidence on their effects; the complexity of integrating molecular and immunological data into the therapeutic decision; the challenge of inequalities in access to these treatments often considered revolutionary due to the required molecular characterization and/or inclusion criteria for early-phase trials; and the challenge of their appropriation and adoption by physicians and patients. This narrative review explores each of these challenges in the context of shared decision-making, the promotion of which is a guarantee of quality and safety of care for cancer patients.
Insights
Advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapy have personalized cancer care but present challenges. Shared decision-making is crucial for managing treatment uncertainty, complexity, access, and adoption.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Context:
- Cancer treatment has evolved beyond chemotherapy with targeted therapies and immunotherapies.
- These advanced treatments offer personalized care by targeting specific molecular and cellular mechanisms.
- However, their implementation faces significant hurdles.
Purpose:
- To review the challenges associated with novel cancer therapies.
- To explore the role of shared decision-making in addressing these challenges.
- To ensure quality and safety in personalized cancer care.
Summary:
- Understanding cancer's molecular, cellular, and immunological underpinnings has driven targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
- Key challenges include managing risk-benefit uncertainty due to limited long-term data, integrating complex molecular/immunological information, ensuring equitable access, and facilitating physician/patient adoption.
- Shared decision-making is proposed as a framework to navigate these complexities.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for robust data and clear guidelines for novel cancer treatments.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing access disparities for advanced cancer therapies.
- Promotes shared decision-making as essential for safe and effective personalized cancer care.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:30Cancer Vaccines
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...
02:49Cancer Therapies
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...
01:29Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...
01:26Drug Administration and Therapy Phases: Overview
The pharmaceutical phase focuses on leveraging the physicochemical properties of the drug to design and manufacture an effective product. Variants include orally administered tablets or capsules, topical creams or ointments, and parenteral-delivery solutions or emulsions.
The pharmacokinetic phase...