The future of targeted therapies in ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer is the second most common gynecological malignancy and the leading cause of death from gynecological cancer. Most women present with advanced disease with little prospect for cure. There have been some advances in surgical and chemotherapeutic strategies, but these approaches have led to only minor improvements in outcome. There remains a significant risk for recurrence and resistance to therapy, and hence there is a need to improve upon the current treatment options. Molecularly directed therapy aims to target tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment by blocking specific molecular changes in the cancer. The most promising agents so far are the antiangiogenic agents and polyadenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase inhibitors. This article reviews the various targeted therapeutic approaches under clinical investigation in ovarian cancer and the challenges facing their future success in the clinic.
Banerjee
Susana
S
The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, SW3 6JJ, United Kingdom.
Gore
Martin
M
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000098:blood supply / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000067856:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D000067856:Poly(ADP-ribose) Polymerase Inhibitors; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A