Author(s)

James Chen, Peter S. Edelstein, Philip J. Johnson, Robert Lustig, Lucien Ooi

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Despite the development of new targeted cancer therapies, primary and secondary tumors continue to be a leading cause of suffering and mortality worldwide. The complexity and heterogeneity of malignancies ultimately result in tumor resistance to therapies, such as EGFR inhibitiors, anti-angiogenesis agents, and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. An example of targeted therapies for renal cell carcinoma is presented, including the SAE profile and efficacy of 6 targeted agents. Although survival is improved, resistance and an increased side effect profile diminish the benefits of these agents. New agents are needed which are pathway independent and which can overcome tumor resistance without adding to the side effect profile of current therapies.

Tumor Resistance, Signaling Pathway, Gene Pathway, Oncogene, Renal Cell Carcinoma

J. Chen, P. Edelstein, P. Johnson, R. Lustig and L. Ooi, "Tumor Resistance to Molecularly Targeted Agents," Journal of Cancer Therapy, Vol. 2 No. 2, 2011, pp. 258-265. doi: 10.4236/jct.2011.22033.