Targeted therapies for the treatment of leukemia.
OBJECTIVE
To review novel targeted therapies for the treatment of leukemia.


METHODS
Professional journals, books, and government publications.


CONCLUSIONS
Nonspecific cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents provide marginal therapeutic benefit and significant toxicity when used in the treatment of leukemia. There is a tremendous need for new therapies with increased efficacy and decreased adverse effects. Advances in molecular science, genetics, and immunology, along with improved laboratory technology, have led to the discovery of unique targets integral to the growth and proliferation of malignant cells which are providing the foundation for the development of a new generation of antitumor agents.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must be prepared to educate patients, administer novel therapies, and manage side effects.
Stull
Dawn Marie
DM
New York-Presbyterian Hospital, 525 East 68th St, Department of Pharmacy, Room K-04, New York, NY 10021, USA.
D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide; D001152:Arsenicals / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001549:Benzamides; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004347:Drug Interactions; D000079982:Gemtuzumab; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards*; D010087:Oxides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000617:Aminoglycosides; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000912:Antibodies, Neoplasm; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001152:Arsenicals; D001549:Benzamides; D010087:Oxides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000074323:Alemtuzumab; D014212:Tretinoin; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D000079982:Gemtuzumab; D000077237:Arsenic Trioxide