Abstract
Molecularly targeted anticancer therapy involves the use of drugs or other substances affecting specific molecular targets that play a part in the development, progression and spread of a given neoplasm. By contrast, the majority of classical chemotherapeutics act on all rapidly proliferating cells, both healthy and cancerous ones. Target anticancer drugs are designed to achieve a particular aim and they usually act cytostatically, not cytotoxically like classical chemotherapeutics. At present, more than 300 biological molecular targets have been identified. The proteins involved in cellular metabolism include (among others) receptor proteins, signal transduction proteins, mRNA thread matrix synthesis proteins participating in neoplastic transformation, cell cycle control proteins, functional and structural proteins.
The receptor proteins that are targeted by currently used anticancer drugs comprise the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR). Target anticancer drugs may affect extracellular receptor domains (antibodies) or intracellular receptor domains (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
The blocking of the mRNA thread containing information about the structure of oncogenes (signal transduction proteins) is another molecular target of anticancer drugs. That type of treatment, referred to as antisense therapy, is in clinical trials.
When the synthesis of genetic material is disturbed, in most cases the passage to the next cycle phase is blocked. The key proteins responsible for the blockage are cyclines and cycline- dependent kinases (CDK). Clinical trials are focused on natural and synthetic substances capable of blocking various CDKs.
The paper discusses the molecular targets and chemical structure of target anticancer drugs that have been approved for and currently applied in antineoplastic therapy together with indications and contraindications for their application.
Keywords: Monoclonal antybodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR patway, chemical structures, mechanism of action, side effects, pharmacokinetic parameters.
Current Medicinal Chemistry
Title:New Molecular Targets of Anticancer Therapy – Current Status and Perspectives
Volume: 23 Issue: 37
Author(s): Marianna Zajac, Izabela Muszalska and Anna Jelinska
Affiliation:
Keywords: Monoclonal antybodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR patway, chemical structures, mechanism of action, side effects, pharmacokinetic parameters.
Abstract: Molecularly targeted anticancer therapy involves the use of drugs or other substances affecting specific molecular targets that play a part in the development, progression and spread of a given neoplasm. By contrast, the majority of classical chemotherapeutics act on all rapidly proliferating cells, both healthy and cancerous ones. Target anticancer drugs are designed to achieve a particular aim and they usually act cytostatically, not cytotoxically like classical chemotherapeutics. At present, more than 300 biological molecular targets have been identified. The proteins involved in cellular metabolism include (among others) receptor proteins, signal transduction proteins, mRNA thread matrix synthesis proteins participating in neoplastic transformation, cell cycle control proteins, functional and structural proteins.
The receptor proteins that are targeted by currently used anticancer drugs comprise the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR), platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor(VEGFR). Target anticancer drugs may affect extracellular receptor domains (antibodies) or intracellular receptor domains (tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
The blocking of the mRNA thread containing information about the structure of oncogenes (signal transduction proteins) is another molecular target of anticancer drugs. That type of treatment, referred to as antisense therapy, is in clinical trials.
When the synthesis of genetic material is disturbed, in most cases the passage to the next cycle phase is blocked. The key proteins responsible for the blockage are cyclines and cycline- dependent kinases (CDK). Clinical trials are focused on natural and synthetic substances capable of blocking various CDKs.
The paper discusses the molecular targets and chemical structure of target anticancer drugs that have been approved for and currently applied in antineoplastic therapy together with indications and contraindications for their application.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Zajac Marianna, Muszalska Izabela and Jelinska Anna, New Molecular Targets of Anticancer Therapy – Current Status and Perspectives, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2016; 23 (37) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867323666160814002150
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867323666160814002150 |
Print ISSN 0929-8673 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-533X |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Medicinal Chemistry: From Cancer to Chronic Diseases.
The broad spectrum of the issue will provide a comprehensive overview of emerging trends, novel therapeutic interventions, and translational insights that impact modern medicine. The primary focus will be diseases of global concern, including cancer, chronic pain, metabolic disorders, and autoimmune conditions, providing a broad overview of the advancements in ...read more
Approaches to the treatment of chronic inflammation
Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of numerous diseases, significantly impacting global health. Although chronic inflammation is a hot topic, not much has been written about approaches to its treatment. This thematic issue aims to showcase the latest advancements in chronic inflammation treatment and foster discussion on future directions in this ...read more
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Non-Infectious Inflammatory Diseases: Focus on Clinical Implications
The Special Issue covers the results of the studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of non-infectious inflammatory diseases, in particular, autoimmune rheumatic diseases, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other age-related disorders such as type II diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, etc. Review and research articles as well as methodology papers that summarize ...read more
Chalcogen-modified nucleic acid analogues
Chalcogen-modified nucleosides, nucleotides and oligonucleotides have been of great interest to scientific research for many years. The replacement of oxygen in the nucleobase, sugar or phosphate backbone by chalcogen atoms (sulfur, selenium, tellurium) gives these biomolecules unique properties resulting from their altered physical and chemical properties. The continuing interest in ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
- Announcements
Related Articles
-
Dynamic Expression of MicroRNAs (183, 135a, 125b, 128, 30c and 27a) in the Rat Pilocarpine Model and Temporal Lobe Epilepsy Patients
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Genetic Predisposition in NAFLD and NASH: Impact on Severity of Liver Disease and Response to Treatment
Current Pharmaceutical Design A Recent Update on the Epigenetic Repertoire and Chromatin Modifying Therapy in Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Review
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Role of Toll-Like Receptor Pathways in the Mechanism of Type 1 Diabetes
Current Molecular Medicine ACE2 and Diabetic Complications
Current Pharmaceutical Design Complex Inheritance for Susceptibility to Sudden Cardiac Death
Current Pharmaceutical Design Transition of Care for Patients with Diabetes
Current Diabetes Reviews Abietane Diterpenes as Potential Candidates for the Management of Type 2 Diabetes
Current Pharmaceutical Design The Impact of Small Heat Shock Proteins (HspBs) in Alzheimer’s and Other Neurological Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin II Receptor Antagonists in Experimental Myocarditis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Invasive and Noninvasive Assessment of Exercise-induced Ischemic Diastolic Response Using Pressure Transducers
Current Cardiology Reviews Interferon Treatment in Patients with Hypereosinophilia
Current Drug Targets The ATP-dependent Pathways and Human Diseases
Current Medicinal Chemistry ABCC6 as a Target in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum
Current Drug Targets Recent Studies on Neural Tube Defects in Embryos of Diabetic Pregnancy: An Overview
Current Medicinal Chemistry Glucose Intolerance and Diabetes Mellitus in Endocrine Disorders – Two Case Reports and a Review
Current Diabetes Reviews TTR Fibril Formation Inhibitors: Is there a SAR?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Viral Infection - A Cure for Type 1 Diabetes?
Current Medicinal Chemistry Roles of p38-MAPK in Insulin Resistant Heart: Evidence from Bench to Future Bedside Application
Current Pharmaceutical Design Current Concepts on Prenatal Diagnosis and Management of Fetal Tachyarrythmias
Current Cardiology Reviews