Targeted agents in cancer therapy

Significant progress has been made over recent years in understanding the molecular and cellular processes involved in cancer biology. The identification of several molecular targets which are involved in cancer development and progression has led to the development of novel, rationally designed, molecularly targeted agents which are currently being used or investigated in clinical practice. The different toxicity profiles, responses on imaging, and mechanisms of action of these targeted agents have implications for the way that clinical trials with these agents are conducted. This article reviews current molecularly targeted anticancer therapeutics, their future prospects, and the challenges they provide.