Targeting therapy-persistent residual disease
Xiaoxiao Sun1, Lani F Wu2, Steven J Altschuler3
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
Abstract:
Disease relapse driven by acquired drug resistance limits the effectiveness of most systemic anti-cancer agents. Targeting persistent cancer cells in residual disease before relapse has emerged as a potential strategy for enhancing the efficacy and the durability of current therapies. However, barriers remain to implementing persister-directed approaches in the clinic. This Perspective discusses current preclinical and clinical complexities and outlines key steps toward the development of clinical strategies that target therapy-persistent residual disease.
Insights
Targeting therapy-persistent cancer cells in residual disease can improve anti-cancer treatment effectiveness and durability. Overcoming barriers to clinical implementation is crucial for developing new strategies against acquired drug resistance and disease relapse.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Therapy
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Acquired drug resistance leads to disease relapse, limiting systemic anti-cancer agent efficacy.
- Persistent cancer cells in residual disease are a key challenge in current cancer therapies.
- Targeting these persistent cells offers a strategy to improve treatment durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the complexities of targeting therapy-persistent residual disease.
- To outline key steps for developing clinical strategies against residual cancer.
- To address barriers in implementing persister-directed approaches in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical findings on therapy-persistent cells.
- Analysis of clinical complexities in targeting residual disease.
- Discussion of challenges in developing persister-directed therapies.
Main Results:
- Significant barriers exist in translating persister-directed approaches to clinical practice.
- Preclinical strategies show promise but require further development for clinical application.
- Understanding and overcoming resistance mechanisms is vital.
Conclusions:
- Developing clinical strategies to target therapy-persistent residual disease is essential.
- Addressing current complexities is key to enhancing cancer treatment efficacy and durability.
- Further research and clinical development are needed to overcome implementation barriers.
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