Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 3
Role of Biomarkers in Clinical
Helen X Chen
Investigational Drug Branch,
Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute,
6130 Executive Blvd, EPN 7131, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
Helen.Chen@nih.gov
3.1 Introducion
The rapid expansion of our knowledge about cancer genome and
biology has provided hypothesis for an increasing number of
potential therapeutic targets. Technical advancement in medicinal
chemistry and biotechnology has also significantly enhanced
the drug design for optimal potency and specificity against the
intended targets. Successful development of molecularly targeted
agents (MTA), however, must overcome the challenges posed by the
very nature of cancer: the pathway complexity within tumors, the
heterogeneity between individual patients and the exploitation by
cancer cells of the essential survival mechanism of normal tissue.
