TARGETED THERAPIES IN ONCOLOGY: A NEW ERA IN CANCER TREATMENT

Abstract

Target-directed therapies in oncology represent an innovative and highly specific approach to cancer treatment, marking a significant shift in the therapeutic paradigm. Unlike traditional approaches, which often have widespread side effects due to their non-specific nature, these therapies directly target the molecular characteristics of cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells. Increasing understanding of the molecular biology of cancer has driven the development of these therapies, fostering an exciting era of progress in the fight against this devastating disease. Objective: This study aims to systematically review recent literature on target-directed therapies in oncology, highlighting the most significant advances, emerging trends and challenges faced in this field. Methodology: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. Using the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, articles published in the last 10 years that addressed the topic were selected. The descriptors used were "target-directed therapies", "oncology", "cancer", "molecular biology" and "cancer treatment". Inclusion criteria: Studies that investigated target-directed therapies in different types of cancer were included, providing insights into their efficacy, safety and mechanisms of action. Exclusion criteria: Studies that were not available in full text, were not written in English, Portuguese or Spanish, or that did not specifically focus on targeted therapies were excluded. Results: The review results highlighted significant advances in target-directed therapies, including the development of molecular target-specific medicines, the identification of predictive biomarkers, and the personalization of treatment based on the patient's genetic profile. Furthermore, the challenges faced were discussed, such as acquired resistance to therapies and associated costs. Conclusion: Target-directed therapies represent an important tool in cancer treatment, offering greater efficacy and lower toxicity compared to conventional approaches. However, more research is needed to overcome existing challenges and maximize its potential in combating this complex disease.