2016 Volume 62 Issue 1 Pages 2-6
Progress in molecular-biological technologies has drastically advanced our understanding of tumor molecular biology. As a result, a number of driver genes that promote carcinogenesis have been isolated, and cancers in each organ can now be classified based on the types of driver genes. Furthermore, treatment strategies directed at the driver genes have been established. At present, more than 60 molecular-targeted drugs are already in use throughout the world in clinical settings, and more than 500 drugs against 100 molecular targets are currently under development. Secondary mutations causing tolerance to representative molecular-targeted drugs have also been identified by analyses of repeat biopsy specimens from resistant tumors, and second-line treatments, depending on the mutation profile, are being developed. Here, we provide an outline of the progress of personalized treatments for cancer.
