Targeted Therapies: How it Works

Question 1

Ado-Trastuzumab Emtansine (Kadcyla)

Answer 1

Targets the HER2/neu oncogene leading to antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Combined with a microtubule inhibitor.

Question 2

Bevacizumab (Avastin)

Answer 2

Binds to VEGF exerting anti-angiogenesis effects

Question 3

Cetuximab (Erbitux)

Answer 3

Binds to the cell surface of EGFR-1 and inhibits cell growth.

Question 4

Ipilimumab (Yervoy)

Answer 4

Targets CTL4 causing enhanced T-cell stimulation and antitumor reactions.

Question 5

Nivolumab (Opdivo)

Answer 5

Inhibits the PD-1 receptor and promotes and immune response in which tumor cells are recognized as foreign and eliminated.

Question 6

Obinutuzumab (Gazyva)

Answer 6

Binds to CD20 causing cell death.

Question 7

Panitumumab (Vectibix)

Answer 7

Binds to the cell surface of EGFR-1 and inhibits cell growth

Question 8

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Answer 8

Inhibits the PD-1 receptor causing decreased tumor growth.

Question 9

Pertuzumab (Perjeta)

Answer 9

Targets the HER2/neu oncogene leading to antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Question 10

Ramucirumab (Cyramaza)

Answer 10

Targets VEGFR2 which inhibits angiogenesis

Question 11

Rituximab (Rituxan)

Answer 11

Targets the CD20 antigen which causes cell death

Question 12

Trastuzumab (Herceptin)

Answer 12

Targets the HER2/neu oncogene leading to antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity

Question 13

Bortezimib (Velcade)

Answer 13

Classified as a proteasome inhibitor which breaks down proteins that regulate the cell cycle resulting in the prevention of the transcription of genes that promote cancer growth.

Question 14

Carfilzomib (Kyprolis)

Answer 14

Classified as a proteasome inhibitor which breaks down proteins that regulate the cell cycle resulting in the prevention of the transcription of genes that promote cancer growth.

Question 15

Romidepsin (Istodax)

Answer 15

Classified as a Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. Induces cell cycle arrest or programmed cell death of transformed cancer cells.

Question 16

Ziv-aflibercept (Zaltrap)

Answer 16

A protein designed to bind to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), inhibiting angiogenesis.