Therapeutic resistance in cancer is responsible for numerous cancer deaths in clinical practice. While target mutations are well recognized as the basis of genetic resistance to targeted therapy, nontarget mutation resistance (or nongenetic resistance) remains poorly characterized. Despite its complex and unintegrated mechanisms in the literature, nongenetic resistance is considered from our perspective to be a collective response of innate or acquired resistant subpopulations in heterogeneous tumors to therapy. These subpopulations, e.g., cancer stem-like cells, cancer cells with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and drug-tolerant persisters, are protected by their resistance traits at cellular and molecular levels. This review summarizes recent advances in the research on resistant populations and their resistance traits. NOTCH signaling, as a central regulator of nongenetic resistance, is discussed with a special focus on its canonical maintenance of resistant cancer cells and noncanonical regulation of their resistance traits. This novel view of canonical and noncanonical NOTCH signaling pathways is translated into our proposal of reshaping therapeutic strategies targeting NOTCH signaling in resistant cancer cells. We hope that this review will lead researchers to study the canonical and noncanonical arms of NOTCH signaling as an integrated resistant mechanism, thus promoting the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Receptors, Notch/metabolism* ; Disease Resistance/physiology* ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Humans ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/physiology* ; Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods*

The transcription factor HOXB13 plays crucial roles in cancer development. HOXB13 is abnormally expressed in most cancers, which makes it a valuable therapeutic target for cancer therapy. The level of HOXB13 differs significantly between healthy and cancer tissues, which indicates that the level of HOXB13 is closely related to carcinogenesis. The regulatory network mediated by HOXB13 in cancer proliferation, metastasis, and invasion has been systematically investigated. Moreover, HOXB13 variants play distinct roles in different cancers and populations. By understanding the molecular mechanisms and mutation features of HOXB13, we provide a comprehensive overview of carcinogenesis networks dependent on HOXB13. Finally, we discuss advancements in anticancer therapy targeting HOXB13 and the roles of HOXB13 in drug resistance to molecular-targeted therapies, which serves as a foundation for developing HOXB13-targeted drugs for clinical diagnosis and cancer therapies.
Humans ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Homeodomain Proteins/metabolism* ; Carcinogenesis/genetics* ; Mutation ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics*

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is a rare group of malignancies that develop from the epithelial lining of the biliary tree and have a poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with advanced BTC in China, its clinical benefits are moderate. In recent years, the approval of targeted therapies and immunotherapies has provided new avenues for the management of advanced BTC. Nonetheless, the increasing number of personalized medicine approaches has created a challenge for clinicians choosing individualized treatment strategies based on tumor characteristics. In this article, we discuss recent progress in implementing precision medicine approaches for advanced BTC in China and examine genomic profiling studies in Chinese patients with advanced BTC. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using precision medicine approaches, as well as the importance of considering population-specific factors and tailoring treatment approaches to improve outcomes for patients with BTC. In addition to providing a comprehensive overview of current and emerging precision medicine approaches for the management of advanced BTC in China, this review article will support clinicians outside of China by serving as a reference regarding the role of patient- and population-specific factors in clinical decision-making for patients with this rare malignancy.
Humans ; Precision Medicine/methods* ; Biliary Tract Neoplasms/genetics* ; China ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Immunotherapy/methods*

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a fatal malignancy with steadily increasing incidence and poor prognosis. Since most CCA cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage, systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, play a crucial role in the management of unresectable CCA. The recent advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies brought more options in the clinical management of unresectable CCA. This review depicts the advances of targeted therapies and immunotherapies for unresectable CCA, summarizes crucial clinical trials, and describes the efficacy and safety of different drugs, which may help further develop precision and individualization in the clinical treatment of unresectable CCA.
Humans ; Cholangiocarcinoma/drug therapy* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Bile Duct Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods*

Hematologic malignancies, including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, are hazardous diseases characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Dysregulated cell cycle resulting from genetic and epigenetic abnormalities constitutes one of the central events. Importantly, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), complexed with their functional partner cyclins, play dominating roles in cell cycle control. Yet, efforts in translating CDK inhibitors into clinical benefits have demonstrated disappointing outcomes. Recently, mounting evidence highlights the emerging significance of WEE1 G2 checkpoint kinase (WEE1) to modulate CDK activity, and correspondingly, a variety of therapeutic inhibitors have been developed to achieve clinical benefits. Thus, WEE1 may become a promising target to modulate the abnormal cell cycle. However, its function in hematologic diseases remains poorly elucidated. In this review, focusing on hematologic malignancies, we describe the biological structure of WEE1, emphasize the latest reported function of WEE1 in the carcinogenesis, progression, as well as prognosis, and finally summarize the therapeutic strategies by targeting WEE1.
Humans ; Protein-Tyrosine Kinases/physiology* ; Hematologic Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Cell Cycle Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Nuclear Proteins/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Cyclin-Dependent Kinases ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Animals

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of molecular targeted agents in children with progressive pediatric low-grade gliomas (pLGG). METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on pLGG patients treated with oral targeted therapies at the Department of Pediatrics, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from July 2021. Treatment responses and safety profiles were assessed. RESULTS: Among the 20 enrolled patients, the trametinib group (n=12, including 11 cases with BRAF fusions and 1 case with BRAF V600E mutation) demonstrated 4 partial responses (33%) and 2 minor responses (17%), with a median time to response of 3.0 months. In the vemurafenib group (n=6, all with BRAF V600E mutation), 5 patients achieved partial responses (83%), showing a median time to response of 1.0 month. Comparative analysis revealed no statistically significant difference in progression-free survival rates between the two treatment groups (P>0.05). The median duration of clinical benefit (defined as partial response + minor response + stable disease) was 11.0 months for vemurafenib and 18.0 months for trametinib. Two additional cases, one with ATM mutation treated with olaparib for 24 months and one with NF1 mutation receiving everolimus for 21 months, discontinued treatment due to sustained disease stability. No severe adverse events were observed in any treatment group. CONCLUSIONS Molecular targeted therapy demonstrates clinical efficacy with favorable tolerability in pLGG. Vemurafenib achieves high response rates and induces early tumor shrinkage in patients with BRAF V600E mutations, supporting its utility as a first-line therapy.
Humans ; Glioma/genetics* ; Male ; Female ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Retrospective Studies ; Brain Neoplasms/genetics* ; Molecular Targeted Therapy/adverse effects* ; Adolescent ; Infant ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/genetics* ; Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use* ; Mutation

The application of small molecule targeted drugs for lung cancer has significantly improved the survival of lung cancer patients. However, these drugs have a wide variety of types, fast development and market launch of new drugs, complex adverse reactions, and are mostly used at home, which increases the risk of irrational drug use. At the same time, insufficient monitoring of efficacy and safety is also prone to occur, ultimately affecting treatment outcomes. This consensus focuses on 43 small molecule targeted drugs or combinations for lung cancer, providing standardized recommendations for rational drug use and monitoring of efficacy/adverse reactions in clinical practice. The recommendations are regarding drug selection, dosage adjustment, efficacy monitoring, adverse reaction monitoring, and improvement of patient compliance. This consensus aims to improve the rational use and efficacy/safety monitoring quality of small molecule targeted drugs for lung cancer, ensure the effectiveness and safety of drug treatment, prolong the survival of lung cancer patients and improve their quality of life.
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Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Consensus ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Drug Monitoring ; Small Molecule Libraries/therapeutic use*

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating various malignancies; however, its clinical application remains challenged by low response rates and immune-related adverse events. Immunoglobulin superfamily member 11 (IGSF11), an inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule, serves as a specific ligand for the V-domain immunoglobulin suppressor of T cell activation (VISTA). Through the IGSF11/VISTA axis, it suppresses T cell function and represents a promising novel target for cancer immunotherapy. IGSF11 is widely expressed across multiple tumor types, though its regulatory mechanisms vary depending on the malignancy. Studies have confirmed that blocking the IGSF11-VISTA interaction or specifically inhibiting IGSF11 exerts antitumor effects. While IGSF11 is closely associated with patient prognosis, its prognostic significance differs among cancer types. This review systematically summarizes the structural characteristics of IGSF11, its regulatory mechanisms, interaction with VISTA, and functional role within the tumor microenvironment.
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Humans ; Immunotherapy ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; B7 Antigens/chemistry* ; Animals ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Tumor Microenvironment

Lung cancer stands as the primary cause of cancer-related mortalities globally, presenting a severe menace to human health. In individuals with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene (KRAS) mutations serve as crucial oncogenic drivers. NSCLC with KRASG12C mutation is among the most prevalent subtypes. Currently, the detection methods for KRAS mutations predominantly concentrate on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing platforms. The diverse derivative technologies of these two platforms each exhibit distinct merits and demerits in terms of testing performance and detection throughput, and find significant applications in tissue biopsy and liquid biopsy. In targeted therapies, KRASG12C targeted drugs, including Sotorasib, Adagrasib, Fulzerasib, Garsorasib, and Glecirasib, have demonstrated certain therapeutic efficacies in clinical trials and have obtained marketing approval. To tackle drug resistance and enhance patient's prognoses, combination therapeutic strategies that integrate targeted agents with chemotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, Src homology region 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2) inhibitors, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies have emerged. This paper systematically reviews the advancements in the diagnosis and targeted therapy of NSCLC with KRASG12C mutation, aiming to offer a reference for the selection of clinical treatment regimens and subsequent research.
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Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/drug therapy* ; Lung Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Mutation ; Molecular Targeted Therapy

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations play a role as a driver gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patients with advanced NSCLC harboring HER2 mutations exhibit poor responses to conventional chemotherapy and immunotherapy, hence targeted therapies against HER2 are under extensive investigation. This review analyzes the biological characteristics of HER2, an overview of clinical trials for targeted therapy drugs, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), and antibody-drug conjugate, and research directions for drug resistance in NSCLC. Currently, Pyrotinib and Trastuzumab deruxtecan have been approved for the treatment of advanced NSCLC with HER2 mutations, suitable for patients who have failed standard therapy, which is far from meeting the clinical demands. Novel selective HER2 TKIs are gradually emerging. Future exploration trends are gradually shifting from single drugs to combination strategies, and are exploring more precise selection strategies as well as research on resistance mechanisms. These studies will provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment strategies for advanced NSCLC with HER2 mutations, promoting the development of personalized therapy.
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Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism* ; Mutation ; Molecular Targeted Therapy ; Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use* ; Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use*