Targeted Cancer Therapy: Promises and Reality Jaibu Amy Elizabeth1, Dr. Sundaram R. Shanmuga2,*, Krishnaveni. K1, Sambathkumar R3 1Department of Pharmacy Practice, J. K. K. Nattraja College of Pharmacy, Kumarapalayam-638183, Tamil Nadu, India 2Professor and Vice Principal, Department of Pharmacology, J. K. K. Nattraja College of Pharmacy, Komarapalayam-638183, Namakkal District, Tamilnadu, India 3Department of Pharmaceutics, J. K. K. Nattraja College of Pharmacy, Kumarapalayam-638183, Tamil Nadu, India *Corresponding Author E-mail: malshan34@gmail.com
Online published on 24 July, 2018. Abstract Over the past decade of years, targeted therapies which include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and small molecule inhibitors have extensively changed the treatment patterns of cancer even though conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy remains the treatment of choice for many malignancies. The objective of this review is to analyse the available targeted cancer therapies in the market. Most of the standard chemotherapies act on both rapidly dividing normal as well as cancerous cells, whereas targeted therapies acts on specific molecular targets that are associated with cancer and thereby offer the prospect of more effective cancer treatment, with fewer side effects. As more persons are diagnosed with cancer and as these patients live longer, primary care physicians will increasingly provide care for patients who have received targeted cancer therapy. Unfortunately, many of the more recent targeted therapies are not as successful over time. Top Keywords Targeted cancer therapy, Chemotherapy, Cancer, Monoclonal antibodies. Small molecule inhibitors. Top |