Despite advances in technology and research, several challenges remain in therapeutic target identification:
Heterogeneity: Cancer is highly heterogeneous, both within a single tumor and between patients, making it difficult to identify universal targets. Resistance: Cancer cells can develop resistance to targeted therapies through various mechanisms, including secondary mutations and activation of alternative pathways. Complexity of Signaling Pathways: Cancer involves multiple, often redundant signaling pathways, complicating the identification of key targets. Off-Target Effects: Drugs designed to target specific molecules can sometimes affect other proteins, leading to unintended side effects.