Old disease, new targets--part-I, solid malignancies

J Pak Med Assoc. 2009 Jun;59(6):398-405.

Abstract

Targeted agents are now an integral part of treatment regimens for some cancers. Trastuzumab is established in treatment of human epidermal receptor 2 (Her2) positive breast cancers, with improvements in both, the disease free and over all survival. Monoclonal antibody (MoAB) against vascular growth factor receptor (VEGF), bevacizumab and cetuximab a MoAB against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are establishing their role in a many cancers after making their mark in colorectal cancer. Sorafenib and sunitinib have success stories in renal carcinoma. The Sorafenib Hepatocellular Carcinoma Assessment Randomized Protocol (SHARP) trial has established sorafenib role in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma, while in gastrointestinal tumors; imatinib and sunitinib have proven role. At this point in time side effect profile of all these agents appears relatively safe however cost for developing countries remains an issue.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Carcinoma, Renal Cell / drug therapy
  • Cetuximab
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Panitumumab
  • Trastuzumab

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bevacizumab
  • Panitumumab
  • Trastuzumab
  • Cetuximab