International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 11 Issue: 05 | May 2024
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p-ISSN: 2395-0072
Title: "Advancements in Cancer Treatment: Current Pharmacological Innovations and Future Prospects" 1Shinde Rutuja J, 2 Dr. Kamble Hemant V, 3Ghodke S.R., Gaikwad Ashlesha S
Department of Pharmacology, Loknete Shri Dadapatil College of Pharmacy, Pune ------------------------------------------------------------------------***------------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract: In recent years, significant progress has been made in cancer therapy, primarily due to advancements in pharmacological treatments. This review offers a thorough examination of the recent developments in pharmacological methods for treating cancer, emphasizing important treatment strategies and the mechanisms behind them. Furthermore, it explores upcoming avenues in cancer pharmacology, shedding light on emerging technologies and potential new targets for therapy that could enhance outcomes for cancer patients. Key Words: Cancer, development, drug targets, therapeutic agent
Introduction
Cancer poses a substantial worldwide health burden, prompting a growing focus on creating potent pharmacological solutions to address this challenge.[1] This introduction offers an outline of the cancer therapy landscape, underscoring the pivotal role of pharmacology in spearheading therapeutic advancements. It also delineates the goals and organization of the review article. Cancer is a collection of diseases characterized by uncontrolled, rapid, and abnormal cell growth. There are various types of cancer, each dependent on the affected organ, but they share common traits like abnormal cell proliferation, tissue invasion, and potential metastasis through blood vessels and lymphatic systems. While the specific causes of cancer remain unclear, factors such as chemical exposure, genetic predisposition, dietary habits, hormonal factors, and medication usage contribute to its development .[2] Despite advancements in modern medicine, the incidence and mortality rates of cancer continue to escalate globally. To address this, researchers should concentrate on novel approaches to cancer treatment, focusing on understanding the disease's pathophysiology, exploring the human genome, and identifying new molecular targets for cancer cell destruction.[3] The management of cancer necessitates both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment strategies such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment selection depends on various factors including the cancer stage, tumor type, and the patient's overall clinical condition.[4] Given that many cancers are incurable in advanced stages, prevention emerges as a crucial and actively researched area. Lifestyle modifications and the use of chemopreventive agents have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of developing cancer.[5][6]
Epidemiology of Cancer –
The global burden of cancer is on the rise due to factors such as population growth, aging, and the adoption of unhealthy habits like smoking, consumption of processed foods, and sedentary lifestyles.[7] In developed nations, cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death. According to GLOBOCAN 2018 data, there were 18.1 million cancer cases and 9.6 million cancer-related deaths worldwide.[8] Developing countries accounted for 56% of cases and 64% of deaths. While the overall mortality rates from cancer are similar, the incidence is higher in developing nations compared to developed ones.[9] Despite the increasing incidence and prevalence of cancer, it remains a low priority for public health in Africa due to limited economic resources and competing health concerns like communicable and non-communicable diseases.[10][11]
Pathophysiology of cancer -
The underlying mechanisms of cancer pathogenesis remain largely elusive and not fully comprehended. It is believed that normal cell growth and proliferation regulatory systems are disrupted in cancer.[12] The development of cancer typically follows a stepwise progression. Initiation is the first stage, initiated by exposure to carcinogenic substances that induce genetic damage in normal cells, resulting in mutation.[13] Promotion follows, characterized by altered environmental conditions favoring the growth of mutated cells over normal cell growth. Subsequently, transformation occurs, where
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