[Value of targeted treatment for testicular cancer: from molecular approaches to clinical possibilities]

Urologe A. 2008 Oct;47(10):1328-33. doi: 10.1007/s00120-008-1750-1.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Due to the introduction of tyrosine kinase-inhibitors in the treatment of metastatic renal cell cancer, targeted therapy raises hopes for other urological tumors as well. Even if excellent cure rates, achieved by standardization of diagnosis und therapy, have made testicular cancer a curable disease, up to 6% of young patients still die from tumors refractory to therapy. The quality of life of patients in advanced stages needing aggressive treatment should be improved by new therapies with reduced side effects. The role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors as well as intervention in the cell cycle and induction of apoptosis are discussed.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Cell Cycle / drug effects
  • Cell Movement / drug effects
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Gene Expression / drug effects
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Gene Transfer Techniques
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Testicular Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Testicular Neoplasms / genetics
  • Testicular Neoplasms / mortality
  • Testicular Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases