Topic: Pharmacogenomic Approaches to Targeted Cancer Therapies

Cancer is a genomic disease, where hereditary and acquired mutations play pivotal roles in its development. Over the past decade, targeted therapies, designed to address cancer-causing mutated genes and abnormal proteins, have revolutionized the treatment of both solid and hematologic malignancies. These targeted therapies include: (1) small molecules tailored to selectively target particular mutations or defects; (2) immunotherapies that achieve improved responses in biomarker-selected populations; (3) monoclonal antibodies and drug-antibody conjugates directed at overexpressed proteins; and (4) cell-based therapies. To assess cancers comprehensively, next-generation sequencing is now routine practice, and treatments are personalized based on the genomic make-up of the cancer. In addition, the field of pharmacogenetics, which examines genetic polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing enzymes or drug targets, offers insights into tailoring cancer treatments by influencing both treatment response and associated toxicity and represents an additional avenue for personalizing cancer treatments. 

This Special Issue will highlight innovative studies and review articles that explore new developments in targeted therapies and the better use of existing therapies through pharmacogenetics.

Cancer, pharmacogenomics, precision medicine

30 Apr 2024