The molecular basis of cancer and the development of targeted therapy.
The sequencing of the human genome and the ability to rapidly identify genes and proteins, both normal and mutant, that are involved in tumorigenesis and malignant phenotypes, have changed the ability to understand malignant cells. Understanding and applying this information to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer are facilitated best with a multidisciplinary team. The cancer surgeon plays a pivotal role in this team. This article briefly summarizes: (1) the clinically relevant applications of molecular biology to the cancer surgeon, (2) the current understanding of the molecular basis for cancer, and (3) the current targeted agents and their clinical applications.
Riley
Lee B
LB
St. Luke's Hospital and Health Network, 801 Ostrum Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015, USA. rileyl@slhn.org
Desai
Darius C
DC
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D004260:DNA Repair; D018450:Disease Progression; D044127:Epigenesis, Genetic; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy*; D014411:Neoplastic Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D010641:Phenotype; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A