Targeted Cancer Therapy: Pharmacological Advances in Precision Oncology
TL;DR
Overall, targeted cancer therapy gradually strengthens personalized cancer management and remains an important area for future oncology research and clinical practice.
Abstract
Cancer remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and it creates a continuous need for more effective and personalized treatment strategies. Targeted cancer therapy has changed the field of oncology by focusing on specific molecular abnormalities involved in tumor growth, survival, and progression. By selectively interfering with cancer-related molecular pathways, targeted therapies can improve treatment precision and reduce unnecessary damage to normal tissues. Precision oncology brings together molecular diagnostics, pharmacogenomics, biomarker testing, and companion diagnostics to support individualized treatment selection and improve clinical outcomes. This narrative review summarizes recent pharmacological advances in targeted cancer therapy and examines their role in precision oncology. A structured literature search was conducted using major scientific databases and authoritative sources, with emphasis on peer-reviewed articles, clinical studies, and international guidance related to targeted therapies, molecular biomarkers, pharmacogenomics, and precision medicine. The review covers the molecular basis of precision oncology, major classes of targeted anticancer agents, predictive biomarkers, companion diagnostics, and clinical applications across different cancer types. Mechanisms responsible for drug resistance and emerging therapeutic strategies are also discussed. Recent developments in antibody-drug conjugates, liquid biopsy, multi-omics technologies, and artificial intelligence are highlighted for their potential contribution to more personalized cancer care. Several challenges continue to affect the clinical use of targeted therapies like drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity, limited access to molecular testing, and the high cost of treatment. Additionally, progress in fields of molecular pharmacology, biomarker-guided treatment, and innovative therapeutic strategies may expand the clinical applications of precision oncology. Overall, targeted cancer therapy gradually strengthens personalized cancer management and remains an important area for future oncology research and clinical practice.