# A Holistic Review of Oncological Drug Targets and Trajectories of Resistance in Cancer Therapy

**Authors:** Harpreet Kaur, Dhrubalochan Rana, Sowvik Bag, Paramjeet Singh

PMC · DOI: 10.32604/or.2025.071209 · Oncology Research · 2026-01-19

## TL;DR

This review explores the history and future of cancer drug targets, resistance mechanisms, and the role of artificial intelligence in advancing cancer treatment.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive and up-to-date review of both established and emerging drug targets and resistance mechanisms in oncology.

## Key findings

- Established therapies include human epidermal growth factor receptor, hormone receptors, and angiogenesis factors.
- Emerging targets like KRAS G12C, CLDN18.2, TROP2, and epigenetic regulators show promise in precision medicine.
- Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping cancer drug discovery and development.

## Abstract

The prolonged and intricate history of oncological treatments has transitioned significantly since the introduction of chemotherapy. Substantial therapeutic benefits in cancer therapy have been achieved by the integration of conventional treatments with molecular biosciences and omics technologies. Human epidermal growth factor receptor, hormone receptors, and angiogenesis factors are among the established therapies in tumor reduction and managing side effects. Novel targeted therapies like KRAS G12C, Claudin-18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2), Trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2), and epigenetic regulators emphasize their promise in advancing precision medicine. However, in many cases, the resistance mechanisms associated with these interventions render them ineffective in carrying out their functions. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date examination of both established and emerging drug targets and mechanisms of treatment resistance in oncology. This review seeks to elucidate recent advancements, address persisting challenges, and explore opportunities for innovative developments in cancer target research. Additionally, it explores the growing role of artificial intelligence in reshaping cancer drug discovery and development frameworks as potential avenues for future research. In conclusion, innovative approaches in oncology, supported by pharmacological research, ongoing clinical trials, molecular biosciences, and artificial intelligence, are poised to significantly transform cancer treatment.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** KRAS (KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase) [NCBI Gene 3845], TACSTD2 (tumor associated calcium signal transducer 2) [NCBI Gene 4070]
- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TACSTD2 (tumor associated calcium signal transducer 2) [NCBI Gene 4070] {aka EGP-1, EGP1, GA733-1, GA7331, GP50, M1S1}, CLDN18 (claudin 18) [NCBI Gene 51208] {aka SFTA5, SFTPJ}, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) [NCBI Gene 1956] {aka ERBB, ERBB1, ERRP, HER1, NISBD2, NNCIS}, KRAS (KRAS proto-oncogene, GTPase) [NCBI Gene 3845] {aka 'C-K-RAS, C-K-RAS, CFC2, K-RAS2A, K-RAS2B, K-RAS4A}
- **Diseases:** Cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]
- **Mutations:** G12C

## Full text

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## Figures

9 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12848746/full.md

## References

203 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12848746/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12848746