TITLE:
Tumor Resistance to Molecularly Targeted Agents
AUTHORS:
James Chen, Peter S. Edelstein, Philip J. Johnson, Robert Lustig, Lucien Ooi
KEYWORDS:
Tumor Resistance, Signaling Pathway, Gene Pathway, Oncogene, Renal Cell Carcinoma
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Cancer Therapy,
Vol.2 No.2,
July
8,
2011
ABSTRACT: 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.