Learning objectives
Review the mechanisms of targeted anticancer therapies (TAT) and its adverse events.
Analyze and illustrate with cases of our center the complications with more characteristic imaging findings.
Background
Oncology occupies much of the work of a radiologist.
The treatment of cancer has advanced dramatically in the last decades.
By acquiring a greater understanding of tumour biology,
new drugs have been developed,
named targeted anticancer therapies (TAT).
The cytotoxic agents of conventional chemotherapy inhibit cell division and target cells with rapid proliferation.
On the other hand,
TAT are designated to affect specific molecular signalling pathways important for the proliferation and survival of specific cells.
Therefore,
since its target are different,
it is not surprising...
Findings and procedure details
TAT agents are often classified according to their nature: monoclonal antibodies (finished in -mab) and small molecule inhibitors (finished in -ib).
The former target antigens or specific receptors on the cell surface.
The seconds,
however,
interact with intracellular targets.
Within the second group,
the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) stand out.
Tyrosine kinases are a set of enzymes belonging to the protein kinase group,
of which there are 58 receptor types (RTKs) and 32 non-receptor types in the human genome [6].
Tyrosine kinase receptors are transmembrane...
Conclusion
Understanding molecular mechanisms of TAT and recognizing their AE is essential to guide appropriate treatment and avoid potential imaging pitfalls that could be mistaken for cancer progression.
As our knowledge about molecular biology increases,
so will drugs and their AE.
A close communication between the oncologist and radiologist is indispensable in our day-to-day work.
Personal information
Contact details:
Paul Lopez Sala (
[email protected]).
Radiology department,
Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra.
Calle Irunlarrea 3,
31008,
Pamplona,
Spain.
References
Shown in Fig. 22 and Fig. 23.