[Molecular tumour therapy: antibodies and small molecules].
Molecular tumor therapy based on understanding the principles of malignant transformation has resulted in a dramatic progress in cancer therapy. Targeted therapies attack the malignant cells and, more specifically, the deregulated intracellular signal transduction. Therefore a high efficacy with lower side effects then classical chemotherapy is expected. There are two different drug classes available: monoclonal antibodies targeting surface molecules, as well as intracellular acting small molecules, especially tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Both modalities have specific advances but also limitations, and have resulted in greater life expectancy in certain solid and hematopoietic tumors such as certain leukemias, lymphoma, breast and lung cancers. The limiting factors are i) the drug can only be applied when the targeted protein is expressed; ii) the high cost associated with these therapies.
Wilhelm
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C
Klinik für Innere Medizin SP Hämatologie, Onkologie, Immunologie, Universitätsklinikum Giessen und Marburg, Standort Marburg, Baldingerstrasse 1, 35033, Marburg, Deutschland. cwilhelm@mailer.uni-marburg.de
Neubauer
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D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010455:Peptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D010455:Peptides; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases