Modern challenges in the treatment of oncological diseases
Cancer remains one of the most serious threats to human health, requiring constant development and improvement of treatment methods. Despite decades of research and clinical experience, many types of oncological diseases are still characterized by an unfavorable long-term prognosis, and existing therapies are often associated with serious side effects [4, 6]. However, recent advances in understanding cancer biology and developing innovative approaches are opening up new perspectives for patients.
From traditional chemotherapy to personalized strategies
Chemotherapy has long been a cornerstone in the treatment of many types of cancer, including pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma, where a multimodal approach using chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery has significantly improved survival [3]. However, for some aggressive forms, such as anaplastic thyroid cancer, cytotoxic chemotherapy demonstrates only a modest increase in survival [5]. Similarly, in ovarian cancer, despite standard regimens with carboplatin/paclitaxel, long-term survival remains low, highlighting the need for new, less toxic, and more effective chemotherapeutic agents [4].
Modern oncology is increasingly moving towards personalized medicine, where treatment is selected based on the unique characteristics of the tumor and the patient. This approach includes:
- Precise diagnostics: For example, in mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma of the stomach, thorough endoscopic diagnosis with multiple biopsies is critical to confirm the diagnosis [7].
- Identification of causative factors: In the case of gastric MALT lymphoma, the main cause is often Helicobacter pylori infection, and its eradication is the first line of therapy [7]. In cases of non-gastric MALT lymphoma recurrence, a hidden infection, such as Strongyloides, may be detected, the treatment of which (e.g., with ivermectin) can lead to a complete response without systemic chemotherapy [2].
- Mechanism-oriented therapy: The principle of selecting treatment that matches the biology of the microorganism and the activity of the antibiotic, as is the case in the treatment of H. pylori, can also be applied to cancer, where understanding the molecular mechanisms of the tumor allows for the selection of the most effective drugs [1].
Targeted therapy: precise impact on the tumor
Targeted therapy represents a breakthrough in oncology, allowing for selective action on specific molecular targets involved in the growth and development of cancer cells, while minimizing damage to healthy tissues. A striking example is the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer with the BRAFV600E mutation. The combination of BRAF and MEK inhibitors has shown a deep and sustained effect, achieving response rates of up to 69% [5]. This demonstrates the potential of targeted therapy to significantly improve treatment outcomes even in very aggressive forms of cancer.
The development of targeted drugs is also actively underway for other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, where there is an urgent need for effective biological agents capable of reducing toxicity and improving therapy efficacy, possibly in combination with standard chemotherapy or as maintenance therapy [4]. Understanding the mechanisms of diseases, such as autoimmune dysregulation or fibroblast activation, also leads to the development of targeted treatments for complex conditions, such as cutaneous mucinoses [8].
Innovations in drug delivery and combination therapy
One of the key problems in oncology is the effective and safe delivery of drugs to the tumor. The rapid development of nanotechnology offers solutions to this problem. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are nanoplatforms that are being actively researched for use in cancer therapy. Due to their controlled morphologies, tunable sizes, diverse compositions, and high specific surface area, MOFs can improve the stability, efficacy, and reduce the side effects of various therapeutic methods, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, phototherapy, and immunotherapy [6].
Combination therapy, which integrates several approaches, is becoming an increasingly common strategy. This can be a combination of traditional chemotherapy with targeted drugs, radiotherapy, or new methods such as immunotherapy. The goal of such combinations is to overcome the limited efficacy of individual methods and reduce their side effects [6]. For example, in the case of anaplastic thyroid cancer, in addition to targeted therapy, immunotherapy also shows promising, albeit more limited, results, and many clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of kinase inhibitors and immunotherapy are ongoing [5].
Perspectives and the future of oncology
The future of oncology is linked to further deepening the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancer, developing new targeted and immunotherapeutic agents, and improving drug delivery systems. Active research into new chemotherapeutic agents, biological drugs, and personalized approaches based on the genetic characteristics of the tumor is a priority for improving treatment outcomes and the quality of life of patients [4]. Continuous development of research and clinical trials promises further breakthroughs in the fight against this complex disease.
Sources
- [1] Mechanism-based treatment of Helicobacter pylori in the era of potassium-competitive acid blockers. (Frontiers in medicine, 2026) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42434006/
- [2] Ivermectin treatment for recurrent non-gastric MALT lymphoma associated with Strongyloides stercoralis. (Case reports in hematology, 2026) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42326967/
- [3] Current standards of treatment for bladder and prostate rhabdomyosarcoma. (Urologic oncology, 2016) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26776454/
- [4] New drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer. (Expert opinion on emerging drugs, 2008) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18764727/
- [5] New methods for the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer. (Drugs of today (Barcelona, Spain : 1998), 2018) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30539168/
- [6] Multifunctional metal-organic framework (MOF)-based nanoplatforms for cancer therapy: from monotherapy to combination therapy. (Theranostics, 2023) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36593957/
- [7] Clinical management of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma of the stomach. (The Korean journal of internal medicine, 2026) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41430211/
- [8] Advances in current and emerging treatments for complex cutaneous mucinoses with significant morbidity and therapeutic difficulty: a narrative review. (Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland), 2026) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42525592/
The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only and cannot replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified specialist for diagnosis and treatment.