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Published on: April 22, 2019
Advancements in Targeted Therapy for Oral Cancer: A Mini Review
Sakshi G Ingole1, Ashwini A Aher2, Sunil N Thitame3
1Biomedical Sciences, School of Allied Health Science, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Abstract:
Targeted therapy has become the latest revolution in the management of oral cancer by focusing on the molecular characteristic of the tumor to provide treatment with an accuracy that spares normal healthy tissue. This article discusses current advances in targeted medicine, with focusing on EGFR inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and more biomarker-drug-directed therapies. Some of the important advances in enhancing the combination of these therapies with the conventional treatments including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are being described here. Furthermore, such features as tailoring medicine for patient needs in order to enhance therapeutic efficacy and counter drug resistance are pointed out as vision with a relatively bright prognosis for increasing survival rates as well as a quality of life of oral cancer patients.
Insights
Targeted therapy revolutionizes oral cancer treatment by targeting molecular tumor characteristics. Advances in EGFR inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and combination therapies offer improved efficacy and patient quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Oral cancer management traditionally relies on surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
- Emerging targeted therapies offer precision treatment by focusing on specific molecular tumor characteristics.
- These novel approaches aim to improve treatment accuracy and minimize damage to healthy tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current advancements in targeted therapies for oral cancer.
- To explore the integration of targeted therapies with conventional treatment modalities.
- To highlight the potential of personalized medicine in enhancing therapeutic outcomes and patient survival.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on targeted oral cancer therapies.
- Analysis of clinical data on Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
- Examination of immune checkpoint inhibitors and other biomarker-directed treatments.
- Discussion of combination strategies involving targeted agents and conventional treatments.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies, including EGFR inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, show promise in oral cancer management.
- Combination therapies integrating targeted agents with surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy enhance treatment efficacy.
- Biomarker-drug directed strategies are crucial for personalized treatment approaches.
- Personalized medicine demonstrates potential in overcoming drug resistance and improving patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapy represents a significant advancement in oral cancer treatment, offering precision and improved outcomes.
- Combining targeted therapies with conventional methods enhances efficacy and patient survival.
- Personalized medicine approaches hold a bright future for improving the quality of life for oral cancer patients.
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