Targeted Therapy in Oncology

Treatment strategies focusing on specific molecular targets within cancer cells, aiming to disrupt their abnormal growth and spread without harming healthy cells.

Genes that, when mutated, can cause cells to grow and divide uncontrollably, contributing to cancer development.

Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, a protein involved in cell signaling and growth .Mutations in EGFR can lead to overactivation, promoting cancer growth.

Genes that normally regulate cell growth and prevent uncontrolled division. If mutated, their protective functions are lost, promoting cancer development.

A specific chromosomal abnormality resulting from a translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22, which creates a fusion protein (BCR-ABL) driving uncontrolled cell growth.

A fusion protein formed by translocation of chromosomes 9 and 22, resulting in tyrosine kinase activity, often linked to chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

The study of the biological processes within a cancer cell that differs from a healthy cell, including genetic and cellular changes leading to uncontrolled growth and metastasis.

International organization that monitors global health and provides information.

Treatment that targets specific pathways, processes, or physiology uniquely disrupted in cancer cells.

Drugs with molecular weight around 500 Da that enter cells and block signaling pathways.

Drugs with a molecular weight around 150,000 Da targeting extracellular components (ligands and receptors on the cell surface).

Small molecules targeting intracellular receptor domains to block signaling pathways.

A class of PKIs targeting the BCR-ABL protein, common in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

A type of cancer where uncontrolled production of white blood cells occurs.

An important first-generation small molecule drug used to treat CML.

Targeted therapy specifically targets the cancer cell while classical chemotherapy affects normal and cancer cells. This difference often leads to reduced side effects.

Common side effects include severe fluid retention (leading to swelling), low blood cell counts, liver problems, muscle cramps, headaches, and skin issues.

Drugs that block mTOR, a protein involved in cell growth and division. They work by preventing the 'on' switch of cancer cells.

Used in treating various cancers, including renal cell carcinoma, lymphoma, breast cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors. They also help prevent organ transplant rejection.

Drugs targeting EGFR and HER receptors, key proteins involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation. They block the signal that tells cancer cells to grow.

Common examples include erlotinib, gefitinib, afatinib, and lapatinib. They are often used for lung cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic cancer.

Drugs that target multiple signaling pathways within cancer cells, preventing their growth and spread. They work like multi-tasking agents.

Used in treating several cancer types, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), renal cell carcinoma, neuroendocrine tumors, and liver cancer.

Drugs with low molecular weight that target specific pathways inside cancer cells, often blocking signaling pathways.

Imatinib is a small molecule drug that specifically targets the BCR-ABL protein, a key driver of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

MoABs can be either ‘naked’ (unmodified) or attached to toxins, chemotherapy drugs, or radioactive particles for enhanced targeting and cell killing.

MoABs can disable cancer cells through various mechanisms: complement-dependent cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cytotoxicity, and inhibition of cell signaling.

Side effects depend on the extent of foreign components in the MoAB, with humanized MoABs generally having fewer side effects.

MoAB therapy may require parenteral administration (injections or infusions), making it less convenient than oral medications.

Unlike classical chemotherapy, which targets both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapy specifically attacks cancer cells, often minimizing side effects.

Monoclonal Antibodies (MoAbs) are a type of targeted therapy that focus on specific molecular targets within cancer cells. They are large proteins with greater specificity and affinity for their target compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Classical chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells, which includes both cancer cells and healthy cells, leading to broader side effects. Targeted therapies focus on unique molecular targets in cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells.

MoAbs can be grouped based on their targets. Examples include:

• TNF-α inhibitors, for inflammatory diseases like ulcerative colitis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Anti-adhesion molecules, blocking T-lymphocyte adhesion
• Anti-IgE antibodies, used in allergic asthma

MoAbs offer several advantages:

• Greater specificity for cancer cells, leading to fewer side effects.
• They can be used for a broader range of conditions, including inflammatory diseases.
• MoAbs represent a more personalized approach to therapy.

MoAbs are complex to develop, manufacture, and administer, resulting in high costs. Their effectiveness is still being researched, leading to cost-benefit questions for patients and healthcare systems.

Monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) are specifically designed antibodies that target and bind to specific molecules on the surface of cancer cells.

CD20 is a protein found on the surface of B lymphocytes, making it a target for MoAbs like Rituximab. CD20 is a cluster of differentiation (CD) protein.

Rituximab binds to CD20 on B-cells, triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Brentuximab Vedotin targets CD30, a protein found on Hodgkin's lymphoma cells. It enters the cell and disrupts microtubule function, stopping cell division.

Alemtuzumab targets CD52, a protein found on multiple cell types, including T cells, B cells, and NK cells. Binds to CD52 on the cells and triggers apoptosis.

Cetuximab targets the EGFR receptor on cancer cells, blocking cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis.

Bevacizumab targets the VEGF protein, which promotes blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) in tumors.

This antibody targets CTLA-4, a protein that acts as a 'brake' on the immune system's T-cells. It takes the brake off, allowing T-cells to attack cancer cells effectively.