Targeted cancer therapies in the twenty-first century: lessons from imatinib.

摘要: An increased understanding of the molecular etiology cancer has enabled development novel therapies that are collectively referred to as targeted agents. Unlike drugs used in conventional chemotherapy, these agents designed specifically interfere with key events responsible for malignant phenotype. They hold great promise widening therapeutic window, which would provide more effective treatment options compared cytotoxic therapies. In addition, approach is characteristic provides unique opportunities combination other anticancer have non-overlapping toxicities. Targeted therefore primed become invaluable tools multimodal cancer. The challenges associated distinct from those faced chemotherapy. These include need select appropriate pharmacodynamic markers guide dose and schedule identify biomarkers enable selection patient populations most likely benefit treatment. although emergence resistance a problem frequently clinic, characterization mechanisms opportunity design second-generation or aimed at preventing restoring response. tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib revolutionized chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). this article, we discuss lessons learned application clinical practice how insights may