Onkologie. 2014:8(5):231-233

Targeted therapy versus conventional cytostatics

Roman Goněc^1,2, Šárka Kozáková¹

¹ Ústavní lékárna, Masarykův onkologický ústav, Brno

² Farmaceutická fakulta, Veterinární a farmaceutická univerzita v Brně

Targeted therapy represents leading branch of oncological research. Understanding of molecular phenomena that stand behind cancer

processes enables us to use drugs that are targeted against these processes. Either monoclonal antibodies, e.g. protein molecules, or

small drugs, i.e. smaller chemical entities are involved. In both cases, the target is protein molecule exprimed by tumour cell. Conventional

cytostatics play still major role in the therapy of oncological diseases. This is based on much experience with their use as well as the

fact that for some diagnoses there have not been any targeted drugs available yet. The properties of both groups are united in conjugated

molecules, where toxic conventional cytostatic thanks to the bond with a monoclonal antibody or small drug can be transported

directly to the tumour cell within the body.

Keywords: targeted therapy, cytostatics, monoclonal antibody, small drug, conjugated molecule

Published: October 16, 2014  Show citation