Targeted agents in cancer

Non-cytotoxic systemic treatments are a major component of systemic anti-cancer treatment. Targeted therapies are used to treat multiple tumour sites in both potentially curative and palliative settings and can be used in combination with chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy. Agents may have specific or multiple targets inhibiting cellular proliferation and cell growth and inducing cellular arrest and apoptosis. Patients must be closely observed on treatment; side effects can be class- or agent-specific.