Oncogenedriven

Oncogenedriven refers to a state in cancer where the growth and survival of tumor cells are critically dependent on the activity of a specific oncogene. This oncogene, which is a mutated or overexpressed gene that promotes cell proliferation and inhibits cell death, acts as a key driver of the cancer's development and progression. In oncogenedriven cancers, blocking the function of this specific oncogene can lead to a significant and often rapid tumor regression. This concept is fundamental to the development of targeted cancer therapies.

Targeted therapies are designed to specifically inhibit the activity of these oncogenic drivers. For example, in certain types of lung cancer, mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene lead to an oncogenedriven state. Drugs that inhibit EGFR, known as EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have proven highly effective in treating these cancers by shutting down the signal that promotes uncontrolled cell growth. Similarly, mutations in the BRAF gene drive certain melanomas, and BRAF inhibitors are a standard treatment for these patients.

Identifying the specific oncogenic driver is crucial for selecting the appropriate targeted therapy. This is typically achieved through molecular profiling or genetic testing of the tumor tissue. The effectiveness of oncogene-targeted therapies underscores the importance of understanding the molecular underpinnings of cancer. However, resistance to these therapies can emerge over time as cancer cells develop alternative pathways to promote growth, necessitating ongoing research into overcoming resistance mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies.