Hallmarks of Cancer in the Reading Room: A Guide for Radiologists

Abstract

Objective: The hallmarks of cancer are mechanisms that cells develop to undergo malignant transformation. The targeting of these hallmarks by newer cancer therapies results in new mechanisms of response, toxicity, and resistance. The purpose of this article is to review these hallmarks, their associated targeted therapies, imaging features of responses, and toxicities.

Conclusion: Ten hallmarks, among them proliferative signaling, angiogenesis, immune response, and genome instability, are reviewed. Molecular targeted therapies, including antiangiogenic factors and immune checkpoint inhibitors, target these hallmarks.

Keywords: cancer; drug toxicity; epidermal growth factor receptor; molecular targeted therapy; tumor response criteria; vascular endothelial growth factor.