Findings from these experiments can identify new targets for drug development; develop the technologies needed to generate drugs that are selective for cancer cells or cancer targets; inform approaches for preventive intervention; determine new strategies for early detection; or uncover predictive or prognostic biomarkers, each of which has the potential to improve public health. Once researchers identify a potential therapeutic target, potential therapeutic agents can be generated and pursued in translational and clinical studies designed to carefully test candidate therapeutics against the target and determine the appropriate dosage, dosing schedules, and toxicities. These preclinical studies help determine the most promising candidates, which are then tested in clinical trials (see Sidebar 27, p. 71). Progress made against cancer in recent decades is a direct result of years-long cross disciplinary collaborations among stakeholders working throughout the medical research cycle (see Sidebar 1, p. 13 and Figure 4, p. 27). Hallmarks of Cancer Cells During the course of cancer development, abnormal or damaged cells acquire so-called “hallmarks” or characteristics that distinguish cancer cells from normal cells. Some of the hallmarks of cancer cells include the ability of cancer cells to divide limitlessly, grow uncontrollably, escape cell death, spread to other tissues in the body, evade destruction by the immune system, and increase nutrients and oxygen supply to tumors. Adapted from (62). FIGURE 3 Multiply limitlessly Evade the immune system Grow uncontrollably Escape cell death Spread to other parts of the body Increase blood vessel formation toward tumor Accumulate changes in the genetic material Increase nutrient and oxygen supply to the tumor Understanding the Path to Cancer Development AACR Cancer Progress Report 2023 25
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTkzMzk=