Genetic and Molecular Targets in Lymphoma
Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies driven by different cell-cycle regulatory proteins, epigenetic modifications and aberrant signal transduction pathways. An improved understanding of lymphomagenesis has led to the recognition of many genetic and molecular events that drive lymphomas, determine outcomes and represent potential therapeutic targets. These insights have allowed cancer drug development to be redirected from classical cytotoxic drugs to biological agents, many of which have already reached the clinical trial stage and promise to redefine the paradigms of cancer treatment (see Figure 3). Agents that can directly or indirectly target deregulated cell-cycle controlling proteins have demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity. Signal transduction inhibitors can tackle aberrant angiogenesis and induce apoptosis of tumor cells by specifically targeting oncogenic pathways while at the same time sparing normal cells. The efficacy of drugs targeting the B-cell receptor signaling pathway has invigorated the enthusiasm to molecularly identify lymphoma subcategories that offer unique therapeutic opportunities. Epigenetic modifiers and immunomodulatory drugs represent a completely different strategy of attacking cancer. These compounds possess the ability to utilize and/or restore already existing intrinsic mechanisms to control aberrant cells. Collectively, these developments represent a paradigm shift in the cancer therapeutics domain.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 3.
Newer US FDA approved drugs (non-monoclonal antibodies) targeting various genetic and molecular drivers of lymphoma.
CLL: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; CTCL: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; MCL: Mantle cell lymphoma.
Conclusion
Lymphomas are a heterogeneous group of malignancies driven by different cell-cycle regulatory proteins, epigenetic modifications and aberrant signal transduction pathways. An improved understanding of lymphomagenesis has led to the recognition of many genetic and molecular events that drive lymphomas, determine outcomes and represent potential therapeutic targets. These insights have allowed cancer drug development to be redirected from classical cytotoxic drugs to biological agents, many of which have already reached the clinical trial stage and promise to redefine the paradigms of cancer treatment (see Figure 3). Agents that can directly or indirectly target deregulated cell-cycle controlling proteins have demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity. Signal transduction inhibitors can tackle aberrant angiogenesis and induce apoptosis of tumor cells by specifically targeting oncogenic pathways while at the same time sparing normal cells. The efficacy of drugs targeting the B-cell receptor signaling pathway has invigorated the enthusiasm to molecularly identify lymphoma subcategories that offer unique therapeutic opportunities. Epigenetic modifiers and immunomodulatory drugs represent a completely different strategy of attacking cancer. These compounds possess the ability to utilize and/or restore already existing intrinsic mechanisms to control aberrant cells. Collectively, these developments represent a paradigm shift in the cancer therapeutics domain.
(Enlarge Image)
Figure 3.
Newer US FDA approved drugs (non-monoclonal antibodies) targeting various genetic and molecular drivers of lymphoma.
CLL: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia; CTCL: Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma; MCL: Mantle cell lymphoma.
SHARE
![Pediatric Supportive Care (PDQ®): Supportive care - Patient Information [NCI]-Overview](https://cdnus.oss-us-west-1.aliyuncs.com/libs/images/NewsJpg/cate_6/072_215x160.jpg)
