How are Cancer Cell Receptors Targeted in Therapy?
Targeting cancer cell receptors has become a cornerstone of modern cancer therapy. Drugs designed to block these receptors can inhibit the signals that promote cancer cell growth. Some approaches include:
Monoclonal antibodies - These are lab-engineered molecules that can bind to specific receptors on cancer cells, blocking their activity. For example, trastuzumab (Herceptin) targets HER2 receptors in breast cancer. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors - These are small molecules that inhibit the tyrosine kinase enzyme part of the receptor, blocking the downstream signaling pathways. Examples include erlotinib and gefitinib, which target EGFR. Immune checkpoint inhibitors - These drugs, such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), target PD-1 receptors, enhancing the immune system's ability to attack cancer cells.
