Pharmacology of SACT (Part 2)

In this episode, Eoin Tabb takes you beyond traditional chemotherapy, exploring the fascinating world of targeted therapies and immunotherapy. Learn how these cutting-edge treatments are revolutionizing cancer care by precisely targeting cancer cells and harnessing the power of the immune system. Discover the different types of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, their mechanisms of action, and their potential to improve patient outcomes.

Key Points:

Targeted Therapies:

Precision medicine approach

Targets specific vulnerabilities in cancer cells

Often fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy

Types of Targeted Therapies:

Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs)

Block communication networks within cancer cells

Examples: Imatinib (CML), Erlotinib, Gefitinib (lung cancer)

Monoclonal Antibodies

Harness the immune system, block growth signals, or deliver toxic payloads

Examples: Rituximab (lymphoma), Trastuzumab (breast cancer), Cetuximab (colorectal/head and neck cancers)

Hormonal Therapies

Disrupt hormone supply lines in hormone-dependent cancers

Examples: Tamoxifen (breast cancer), Aromatase inhibitors (breast cancer), Androgen blockers (prostate cancer)

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs)

Combine targeting ability of antibodies with potent cell-killing drugs

Examples: Trastuzumab emtansine (breast cancer), Brentuximab vedotin (lymphoma)

Proteasome Inhibitors

Clog the cellular recycling system in cancer cells

Examples: Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Ixazomib (multiple myeloma/lymphoma)

Immunotherapy:

Empowers the immune system to fight cancer

Types of Immunotherapy:

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Release the brakes on the immune system

Examples: Ipilimumab, Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Atezolizumab

Adoptive Cell Transfer (ACT)

Supercharges immune cells to target cancer

Example: CAR-T cell therapy

Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTEs)

Bridge immune cells and cancer cells for targeted attack

Example: Blinatumomab

Cancer Vaccines

Teach the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells

Additional Notes:

Targeted therapies require specific biomarkers to be effective.

Immunotherapies are effective in certain cancers but can have unique side effects.

Ongoing research is expanding the use of targeted therapies and immunotherapies.

CPD IIOP Example: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1yd3jZv6upddu2V2qP61WdD7xE8joOXHR6ISQ4BNmIGY/edit?usp=sharing

Feedback Form: https://forms.gle/ebaoNCNe9Hg2fAMk6