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Mechanistic insights into molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer
Teresa Vincent1, Kunnathur Murugesan Sakthivel2, C M Reena Josephine3
1Apex Research and Scientific Writing Academy, NC, 27707, United States of America.
Abstract:
Lung cancer is a serious public health concern and a leading cause of cancer related deaths worldwide. The major drawback of conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery is their limited efficacy and lack of tumor specificity. Of these treatment options, targeted therapy and immunotherapy are of best interest due to their potential to selectively target cancer cells and enhance immune responses. Targeted therapy can bind to molecular targets and inhibit pathways involved in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. In the case of lung cancer, targeting expressions of EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF are important as their overexpression makes up a significant portion of cancer cases. Targets in the MAPK, PI3K, and MYC pathway are also inhibited as each of these pathways promote cell proliferation and growth. Immunotherapy directly kills off cancerous cells by amplifying the behavior of immune cells. Immunotherapeutic targets include NK-cells, T-cells, and immune checkpoints. NK cells and T cells are involved in the elimination of cancer cells, while immune checkpoints regulate the immune system but may be exploited by cancerous cells. The advent of molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy has significantly transformed lung cancer treatment, offering precision and efficacy in combating tumor resistance. Their integration in combination strategies holds great promise for improved clinical outcomes and represents a pivotal direction for future therapeutic advancements.
Insights
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy offer precise lung cancer treatment by inhibiting cancer cell growth and enhancing immune responses. Combining these advanced therapies shows promise for improved patient outcomes and overcoming treatment resistance.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
- Immunology
Background:
- Lung cancer remains a significant global health issue with limited efficacy and specificity in conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Targeted therapy and immunotherapy represent promising advancements, offering selective cancer cell targeting and enhanced immune responses.
- Specific molecular targets in lung cancer include EGFR, KRAS, BRAF, and pathways like MAPK, PI3K, and MYC, crucial for cell proliferation and survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the advancements and potential of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in lung cancer treatment.
- To highlight the mechanisms of action for both targeted therapy and immunotherapy in combating lung cancer.
- To emphasize the significance of combination strategies involving these novel therapeutic approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on targeted therapy and immunotherapy in lung cancer.
- Analysis of molecular targets and pathways implicated in lung cancer progression.
- Examination of immune cell functions and immune checkpoints in cancer elimination.
Main Results:
- Targeted therapies effectively inhibit specific molecular targets (e.g., EGFR, KRAS, BRAF) and pathways (MAPK, PI3K, MYC) crucial for lung cancer growth.
- Immunotherapy leverages immune cells like NK-cells and T-cells, and modulates immune checkpoints to eliminate cancer cells.
- Both approaches demonstrate potential for increased efficacy and specificity compared to conventional treatments.
Conclusions:
- Molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy have transformed lung cancer treatment, offering precision and overcoming resistance.
- The integration of targeted therapy and immunotherapy in combination strategies holds significant promise for improved clinical outcomes.
- Future research and clinical application should focus on optimizing these combination approaches for enhanced lung cancer management.
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