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Review
. 2014 Oct 3:7:70.
doi: 10.1186/s13045-014-0070-8.

Strategies for modern biomarker and drug development in oncology

Alan D Smith  1 , Desam Roda  2 , Timothy A Yap  3
Affiliations
Review

Strategies for modern biomarker and drug development in oncology

Alan D Smith et al. J Hematol Oncol. .

Abstract

Technological advancements in the molecular characterization of cancers have enabled researchers to identify an increasing number of key molecular drivers of cancer progression. These discoveries have led to multiple novel anticancer therapeutics, and clinical benefit in selected patient populations. Despite this, the identification of clinically relevant predictive biomarkers of response continues to lag behind. In this review, we discuss strategies for the molecular characterization of cancers and the importance of biomarkers for the development of novel antitumor therapeutics. We also review critical successes and failures in oncology, and detail the lessons learnt, which may aid in the acceleration of anticancer drug development and biomarker discovery.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Translation of sequencing into Clinical Oncology & Research. Patients start with informed consent to access their archived tumor sample. When applicable, circulating tumor cells and plasma DNA are sampled; as well as accessible fresh tumor. Tumor DNA is then purified and sequenced, and the results are presented at a tumor board of experts, where the patient is then allocated to an appropriate trial based on the results. Fresh tumor can also be grafted into mice to determine if a theraphy is effective, before giving to the patient. Tumor resampling after progression on theraphy is essential to identifying the mechanism of resistance and a new treatment strategy.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Molecular pathways in cancer progression. This figure identifies some of the common pathways involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation. Proteins such as Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) (i.e. EGFR, HER2, VEGFR, PDGFR, IGFR, KIT) PI3K, AKT, RAF, MEK, and SHH represent some of the drug targets in precision medicine.
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