Targeted therapy refers to a group of pharmaceutical drugs or other substances that work by interfering with specific molecules ("targets") needed for carcinogenesis and tumor growth. Unlike conventional chemotherapy, which targets all rapidly dividing cells, targeted therapy attacks specific abnormalities within cancer cells while sparing normal cells.
Tracing the evolution from murine to humanized antibodies, this comprehensive entry explores how mAbs revolutionized cancer treatment through checkpoint inhibition, receptor targeting, and immune modulation.
Oral small molecules that block intracellular signaling pathways driving tumor proliferation, particularly in EGFR, ALK, and BCR-ABL mutations.
How exploiting DNA repair defects in BRCA-mutated cancers creates selective tumor cell death while preserving healthy tissue function.
Combining the targeting precision of mAbs with the cytotoxic potency of chemotherapy through innovative linker and payload technologies.
Understanding acquired and intrinsic resistance pathways, including target mutation, bypass signaling, and microenvironmental protection.
Next-generation sequencing panels, companion diagnostics, and liquid biopsy technologies enabling precision patient stratification.
Targeting VEGF and downstream pathways to starve tumors of blood supply, combining with immunotherapies for enhanced efficacy.