SnapShot: The hallmarks of cancer treatment.

Vitiello, Pietro Paolo; Amodio, Vito; Bardelli, Alberto · Cell · 2026

review · Level V

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Abstract

Cancer therapy evolved from cytotoxic chemotherapy to targeted and immune treatments guided by molecular profiling. Early cytotoxic drugs, rooted in mustard-gas observations, remain effective but toxic. Targeted agents exploit oncogenic vulnerabilities yet commonly select resistant clones. Checkpoint inhibitors and engineered modalities (ADCs, BiTEs, CAR-T) yield responses but are limited by toxicity and adaptive antigen loss. Future treatment combinations will require targeting the evolution of resistance. To view this SnapShot, open or download the PDF.

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