Molecular Targeted Therapy Approach to Musculoskeletal Tumors

Abstract

The future of cancer treatment is promising. Although marred by years of plateau in outcomes, new avenues have been identified that are poised to change how we treat cancer. Molecular targeted therapy or targeted therapy is one of these methods. Molecular targeted therapy involves identifying specific pathways or markers that allow cancer cells to flourish. Once identified, specific molecules can be used to block proliferative pathways, thereby negatively impacting tumor growth. Targeting specific pathways that prolong the survival of the cancer cell can lead to a decreased cancer burden and improved patient outcomes. This article reviews the tenets of molecular targeted therapy, common pathways, target acquisition for drug development, and the pathways that have been elucidated in musculoskeletal tumors.