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Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo
09:19

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cancer Drug Sensitization In Vitro and In Vivo

Published on: February 6, 2015

Clinical evaluation of biologically targeted drugs: obstacles and opportunities

A L Boral1, S Dessain, B A Chabner

  • 1Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston 02114, USA.

Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology
|September 28, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Novel cancer drugs targeting specific molecular processes require new clinical evaluation strategies. This review contrasts these targeted approaches with traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy development for better cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer involves dysregulated cellular processes like cell cycle control, signal transduction, and apoptosis.
  • Advances in molecular genetics enable targeted drug development against specific cancer mechanisms.
  • Traditional cytotoxic agents have limitations, necessitating new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the development of novel cancer drugs targeting angiogenesis, metastasis, signal transduction, telomerase, and molecular messages (antisense).
  • To outline strategies for the clinical evaluation of these biologically targeted agents.
  • To contrast these novel approaches with traditional cancer drug testing methods.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on targeted cancer therapies.
  • Analysis of drug development and clinical trial methodologies for novel agents.
  • Comparison of targeted therapy development with conventional cytotoxic drug development.

Main Results:

  • Identified key molecular targets in cancer, including angiogenesis and signal transduction pathways.
  • Described the design of specific compounds modulating these targets.
  • Highlighted the need for distinct clinical trial designs for targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Biologically targeted cancer drugs represent a paradigm shift from traditional cytotoxic agents.
  • New strategies are essential for the effective clinical evaluation and development of these novel therapies.
  • Understanding molecular mechanisms is crucial for advancing cancer treatment.

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