Small molecule and monoclonal antibody therapies in neurooncology.
BACKGROUND
The prognosis for most patients with primary brain tumors remains poor. Recent advances in molecular and cell biology have led to a greater understanding of molecular alterations in brain tumors. These advances are being translated into new therapies that will hopefully improve the prognosis for patients with brain tumors.


METHODS
We reviewed the literature on small molecule targeted agents and monoclonal antibodies used in brain tumor research and brain tumor clinical trials for the past 20 years.


RESULTS
Brain tumors commonly express molecular abnormalities. These alterations can lead to the activation of cell pathways involved in cell proliferation. This knowledge has led to interest in novel anti-brain-tumor therapies targeting key components of these pathways. Many drugs and monoclonal antibodies have been developed that modulate these pathways and are in various stages of testing.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of targeted therapies against brain tumors promises to improve the prognosis for patients with brain tumors. However, as the molecular pathogenesis of brain tumors has not been linked to a single genetic defect or target, molecular agents may need to be used in combinations or in tandem with cytotoxic agents. Further study of these agents in well-designed cooperative clinical trials is needed.
Butowski
Nicholas
N
Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143-0350, USA.
Chang
Susan M
SM
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000639:trends*; D005910:Glioma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007155:Immunologic Factors