[Help with nibs and mabs: targeted cancer therapies for non-oncologists].

Abstract

Targeted therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and small molecules, are increasingly important components of oncological treatments. Targeted therapies are designed to tackle cancer cell pathogenesis at specific points essential to tumour survival and growth. These drugs can result in both on- and off-target side effects which are frequently clinically relevant. These side-effects are different from the classic and well-known chemotherapy side effects. As the number of cancer patients is growing worldwide and oncological treatment regimens become more complex, the demand for oncology expertise increases. All health care professionals that work with patients with cancer require basic knowledge of targeted therapies. Therefore, the goal of this article is to educate non-oncologists on new targeted cancer therapies, their mode of action and potential side-effects.