Can cancer therapy be overly targeted?
Targeted therapies show limited success with certain cancers
Targeted therapies may hit the bull’s eye of cancer by targeting specific pathways by which it spreads, but a new study published in Nature Genetics in March suggests our optimism about the effectiveness of targeted therapies may be misplaced in the case of certain cancers, such as angiosarcoma (cancer that begins in the blood vessels).
Drugs designed to target specific cellular pathways in this aggressive cancer of the blood vessels have achieved only limited success. Researchers at the Wellcome Sanger Trust Institute have now discovered that this might be due to the fact that there are too many targets for them to deal with. They found that 40 percent of angiosarcoma cases involve mutations in the genes that control blood vessel growth, including two novel cancer genes, PTPRB and PLCG1.
The discovery would usually point to the need for additional treatment targeting those genes as the next step; but the researchers also found multiple mutations in the pathway responsible for blood vessel growth. Drugs designed for singular targets would be ineffective against such multiple mutations.
More research needed to combat rare cancers
Angiosarcoma is rare, but survival outcomes for it are poorer than those with other cancer types. Our knowledge of it and relevant treatments are still extremely limited. That makes this research critical as a reassessment of the drugs being used, as well as a guide to developing new ones that will factor in multiple mutations in the cancer’s biology.
In addition, the study has implications for understanding other types of cancer, according to one of the authors of the study quoted in a press release by the institute. “It’s extremely important that we continue to study rare cancers such as angiosarcoma,” says Dr Sam Behjati. “Not only will this help the many patients with these cancers and improve treatment strategies, it will also help us to understand the full landscape of cancer-causing mutations and their underlying biology.”
Further links:
Sanger.ac.uk
Nature.com
Bionews-tx.com
Related Articles
“Tidal wave” of cancer predicted
WHO predicts doubling of annual cancer cases by year 2034
Read moreWhat you need to know about 9 most common cancers
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths are caused by cancer.
Read moreWhat is prostate cancer?
Parkway Cancer Centre’s Dr Zee Ying Kiat gives the low-down on prostate cancer
Read moreLatest Articles
Medical Care
Clearing the Fog: Dispelling Common Diabetes Myths in Singapore
Uncover the truths and myths about diabetes with insights from Harmony Thyroid, Endocrinology and Diabetes Centre. Learn about prevention, diagnosis, and management strategies for diabetes in Singapore. Get expert guidance from Senior Consultant Endocrinologist Dr. Vikram Sonawane to navigate your diabetes journey effectively.
Read moreMedical Care
Achieving Swift Recovery: Enhanced Recovery (ERAS) Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement
Consider total hip replacement with Alps Orthopaedic Centre's ERAS Direct Anterior Approach for faster recovery and reduced hospital stays. Learn about Dr. Jerry Chen's expertise in Singapore.
Read moreMedical Care
Enhanced Recovery (ERAS) Total Knee Replacement
Discover how Alps Orthopaedic Centre's Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) approach transforms total knee replacement into a day surgery, offering faster recovery, less pain, and reduced hospital bills. Learn about Dr. Jerry Chen's expertise and schedule your appointment in Singapore.
Read more
