Emerging opportunities for the combination of molecularly targeted drugs with radiotherapy

Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol). 2014 May;26(5):266-76. doi: 10.1016/j.clon.2014.02.006. Epub 2014 Mar 4.

Abstract

Recent drug discovery developments in the field of small molecule targeted agents have led to much interest in combining these with radiotherapy. There are good preclinical data to suggest this approach worthy of investigation and in this review we discuss how this has translated into recent clinical trials. The outcome of clinical trials investigating radiotherapy/targeted drug combinations published in the last 5 years is discussed, as are trials in progress. The perceived future opportunities and challenges in the development of this exciting area are considered.

Keywords: Molecularly targeted drugs; radiation; radiosensitisers; radiotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Celecoxib
  • Chemoradiotherapy / methods*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • ErbB Receptors / drug effects
  • ErbB Receptors / radiation effects
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / radiotherapy
  • Pyrazoles / pharmacology
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Sulfonamides / pharmacology
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / drug effects
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / radiation effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cyclooxygenase 2 Inhibitors
  • Pyrazoles
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Sulfonamides
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Celecoxib