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Published on: October 30, 2013
Emerging molecular therapies in the treatment of bladder cancer
Scott D Bell1, Anthony E Quinn1, Tom D Spitzer2
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, West Des Moines, IA 50266, USA.
Abstract:
Bladder cancer is a leading cancer type in men. The complexity of treatment in late-stage bladder cancer after systemic spread through the lymphatic system highlights the importance of modulating disease-free progression as early as possible in cancer staging. With current therapies relying on previous standards, such as platinum-based chemotherapeutics and immunomodulation with Bacillus Calmette-Guerin, researchers, and clinicians are looking for targeted therapies to stop bladder cancer at its source early in progression. A new era of molecular therapies that target specific features upregulated in bladder cancer cell lines is surfacing, which may be able to provide clinicians and patients with better control of disease progression. Here, we discuss multiple emerging therapies including immune checkpoint inhibitors of the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway, antibody-drug conjugates, modulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) cell proliferation pathway, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, and fibroblast growth factor receptor targeting. Together, these modern treatments provide potentially promising results for bladder cancer patients with the possibility of increasing remission and survival rates.
Insights
Emerging molecular therapies offer new hope for bladder cancer patients. These targeted treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates, aim to control disease progression and improve survival rates.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bladder cancer is a significant health concern, particularly in men.
- Late-stage bladder cancer presents complex treatment challenges due to systemic spread.
- Current treatments like chemotherapy and Bacillus Calmette-Guerin have limitations, necessitating novel approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review emerging molecular therapies for bladder cancer.
- To highlight treatments targeting specific molecular features of bladder cancer cells.
- To discuss advancements in controlling disease progression and improving patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on novel bladder cancer therapies.
- Discussion of targeted molecular treatments, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (PD-1/PD-L1), antibody-drug conjugates, PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway modulators, CAR T-cell therapy, and FGFR inhibitors.
Main Results:
- Emerging therapies show promise in targeting bladder cancer at its source.
- These novel treatments offer potential for better disease control and improved patient management.
- Advancements in molecular therapies may lead to increased remission and survival rates.
Conclusions:
- A new era of molecular therapies is emerging for bladder cancer.
- Targeted treatments provide a promising avenue for improving outcomes in bladder cancer patients.
- These advancements offer hope for enhanced disease control and patient survival.
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