Oncogenes: new targets in cancer treatment

Abstract

In the recent years, progression in cancer genetics and biology has shifted the paradigm for cancer drug development and design. Greater emphasis is given for the development of a specific, non-toxic and molecule based therapy to combat cancer. Therapies are designed to target the genes involved with growth, proliferation and metastasis of cancer. Oncogene based therapies have shown promising clinical activities such as imatinib, trastuzumab and gafitinib. However, there are obstacles to overcome to recognize the full potential of oncogenes as novel targets for cancer therapy. These include validating novel targets, designing of specific agents, and evaluating these agents in both clinical and preclinical settings, etc. It is also vital to have a strong understanding of the underlying molecular abnormalities and its mechanics to maximize the benefits of the molecular therapeutics in cancer.