[Development of antitumor agents: retrospection and perspective]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Drug Discovery

Context:

• Discusses 30 years of experience with rodent tumor models for antitumor screening.
• Introduces a new antitumor screening system at the National Cancer Institute (NCI), U.S.A.
• Highlights a recently adopted mouse ovary tumor model for drug evaluation.

Purpose:

• To review established methods and introduce novel approaches in antitumor drug screening.
• To emphasize the importance of detailed studies on the mechanism of action and toxicity of existing antitumor drugs.
• To explore new strategies for identifying novel antitumor compounds.

Summary:

• Reviews past 30 years of antitumor screening using rodent models.
• Introduces the NCI's new screening system and mouse ovary tumor model.
• Suggests studying existing drug mechanisms and toxicity to inspire new compound discovery.
• Presents Ling's approach to drug resistance, linking acquired resistance to natural cellular mutations.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the evolution of antitumor screening methodologies.
• Facilitates the development of new antitumor agents by understanding drug action and resistance.
• Contributes to advancing cancer research and therapeutic strategies.