| Pharmaceutical Strategies for Targeting Genetic Mutations in Cancer: Challenges and Opportunities |
| Paper ID : 1187-IGA |
| Authors |
|
Yasaman Aliyan * Department of Biology, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran |
| Abstract |
| Background and Aims Cancer is fundamentally a genetic disease driven by mutations that alter cell growth and survival mechanisms. Over the past two decades, pharmaceutical strategies have increasingly focused on targeting these mutations through precision medicine, aiming to develop treatments that are more effective and less toxic than traditional chemotherapy. Despite significant progress, challenges such as drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, and regulatory hurdles continue to limit the widespread success of these approaches. This review aims to provide an overview of current pharmaceutical strategies for targeting genetic mutations in cancer, assess their effectiveness and limitations, and explore emerging technologies that hold promise for the future of precision oncology. Methods A comprehensive literature review was conducted, analyzing recent advancements in targeted therapies, including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, RNA-based therapies, and gene-editing approaches. The review also examines case studies of successful treatments and discusses challenges such as resistance mechanisms, off-target effects, and accessibility. Results While targeted therapies have significantly improved patient outcomes in various cancers, challenges such as adaptive resistance, limited treatment response in certain mutations, and high costs remain major barriers. However, the integration of artificial intelligence in drug discovery, advancements in CRISPR-based therapies, and combination treatment strategies are showing potential to overcome these limitations. Conclusion Targeting genetic mutations in cancer presents both remarkable opportunities and ongoing challenges. Although current therapies have transformed cancer treatment, further research, collaboration, and innovative approaches are needed to address resistance, improve treatment accessibility, and enhance long-term efficacy. The future of precision oncology will rely on continued advancements in technology and stronger partnerships between researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies. |
| Keywords |
| Cancer genetics, targeted therapy, precision medicine, drug resistance, gene editing, CRISPR, pharmaceutical strategies, mutation-driven cancer, precision oncology |
| Status: Accepted |
