Current status and problems in development of molecular target agents for gastrointestinal malignancy in Japan

Abstract

Since late 1990s, many molecular target agents have been introduced to clinical trials for various kinds of tumors, and some of them showing significant benefits have been approved. However, these global trials were mainly conducted outside Japan, and the 'drag lag' has been a serious problem in Japan recently. Nowadays, Japanese institutions have been participating in some global trials, and the drug lags are getting shorter. For colorectal cancer, molecular target agents such as bevacizumab and cetuximab have been approved in Japan, resulting in improved clinical outcomes. For gastric cancer, Japanese institutions not only contribute to the global Phase III trials of trastuzumab and bevacizumab but also show leadership in the early development of other new agents. For pancreatic cancer, only erlotinib has shown a survival benefit in these 10 years. Worldwide approach including Japan is warranted to achieve better clinical outcomes. For liver cancer, although Japanese institutions did not participate even in the Asian trial of sorafenib, it has been approved in Japan. For esophageal cancer, because there has been no new molecular target agents developed by pharmaceutical companies, investigator-initiated registration trial will play an important role. For all gastrointestinal malignancies, molecular target agents have made a progress in their treatments. In the near future, Japanese institutions will participate in more and more global trials and should play a specific role in worldwide drug development. Furthermore, the optimal use of these new drugs, molecular target agents, based on the daily practice should also be explored in Japan. © The Author (2010). Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.