Targeted therapy for genetic cancer syndromes: Fanconi anemia, medullary thyroid cancer, tuberous sclerosis, and RASopathies

Discov Med. 2015 Feb;19(103):101-8.

Abstract

With the advent of genomics-based treatment in recent years, the use of targeted therapies in the treatment of various malignancies has increased exponentially. Though much data is available regarding the efficacy of targeted therapies for common malignancies, genetic cancer syndromes remain a somewhat unexplored topic with comparatively less published literature. This review seeks to characterize targeted therapy options for the following genetic cancer syndromes: Fanconi anemia, inherited medullary thyroid cancer, tuberous sclerosis, and RASopathies. By understanding the pathophysiology of these conditions as well as available molecularly targeted therapies, oncologists, in collaboration with geneticists and genetic counsellors, can begin to develop effective clinical management options and therapy regimens for the patients with these genetic syndromes that they may encounter in their practice.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine
  • Fanconi Anemia / genetics*
  • Fanconi Anemia / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Syndrome
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / genetics
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / genetics
  • Tuberous Sclerosis / therapy*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • ras Proteins

Supplementary concepts

  • Thyroid cancer, medullary