| Theme |
Molecular Medicine of Gastrointestinal Disorders : from Basics to Applications |
| Title |
Molecular Targeting of Gastrointestinal Diseases |
| Author |
Masakazu Yashiro |
Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine / Oncology Institute of Geriatrics and Medical Science, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Osamu Shinto |
Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Takahiro Toyokawa |
Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Hidemi Kawajiri |
Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kazunori Nakamura |
Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| Author |
Kosei Hirakawa |
Department of Surgical Oncology, Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine |
| [ Summary ] |
Recent advances in molecular biology have allowed the development of molecular targeting therapy based on an understanding of the principles of gastrointestinal diseases. Targeted therapies attack tumor cells more specifically than conventional chemotherapy. A high efficacy for treating cancer cells with lower side effects than conventional chemotherapy is expected. On the other hand, certain molecular target-based drugs have been shown to have serious side effects. Molecular target-based drugs have specific advantages for treating gastrointestinal diseases. Drugs such as imatinib and sunitinib may be used to treat GIST, bevacizumab may be used for colorectal cancer, and infliximab for Crohn's disease. Advances in molecular biology may lead to the development of promising molecular therapies in the near future. |