Targeted therapies in solid tumours: results and promises.
In these last few years novel approaches to the treatment of solid tumours have been proposed. Therapeutic agents addressed to specific functions of the neoplastic cells seems to be very promising tools, with a low grade of toxicities. These agents are the basis of the so called targeted therapies. Small molecules inhibiting the proliferative cascade of the cancer cells and monoclonal specific antibodies against growth factor or vascular endothelial growth factor have been claimed as the promise in cancer therapy. Unfortunately, the very good results obtained in preclinical experiments have not been completely confirmed in the clinical practice. A selection of patients who could have beneficial effects from the novel agents is mandatory to avoid inappropriate therapies and also unjustified expenses.
''L. and A. Seragnoli'', Institute of Medical Hematology and Oncology, S. Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic, Bologna, Italy.
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D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001549:Benzamides; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D046152:Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010879:Piperazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011743:Pyrimidines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068878:Trastuzumab
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D001549:Benzamides; D010879:Piperazines; D011743:Pyrimidines; D000068258:Bevacizumab; D000068877:Imatinib Mesylate; D000068878:Trastuzumab; D000068818:Cetuximab