Agnostic Therapy in Cancer Treatment

• DOI: hhttps://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.159410024181110

• Palavras-chave: Agnostic therapy; biomarkers; cancer; neoplasia; FDA.

• Keywords: Agnostic therapy; biomarkers; cancer; neoplasia; FDA.

• Abstract:

   Introduction: Advances in tumor biology and immunology continue to refine our understanding of cancer. In recent years, genetic alterations responsible for oncogenesis in a wide variety of cancers have been discovered, along with the discovery that some markers that can be targeted by drugs, regardless of the site of origin. Targeted therapies have transformed cancer treatment, allowing cancer treatments to evolve from chemotherapy to targeted therapy. Recent clinical trials based on biomarkers represent a significant change in cancer treatment. With the growth of studies, we have so far seen a large increase in biomarker-based agnostic treatment indications. The complex and heterogeneous biology of the various types of cancer represents a challenge. Objective: In this literature review, we present a brief history of the development of agnostic therapies and the medications approved to date by the US health agency as agnostic therapies. We also recognize the challenges to improving agnostic therapies. Method: Bibliographic review, using PubMed, The Lancet, New England and Nature as databases. Articles published between 2016 and 2022 were selected. Results: Still new on the oncology scene, it is clear that the evidence is still scarce, but very impactful, and the potential for growth and the milestone that this type of treatment has is remarkable. Conclusion: Tumor-agnostic treatment represents a new way of thinking about cancer therapies, different from traditional chemotherapy regimens, with a long way to go but with enormous potential for growth.