Tubulin: an example of targeted chemotherapy

Abstract

Anticancer drugs directed against the microtubule, including taxanes and vinca alkaloids, have been the backbone of many chemotherapy regimes for decades. These drugs have, however, significant limitations, which have prompted the development of novel microtubule targeting agents (MTAs). This article will discuss MTAs for anticancer therapies and recent debates regarding their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, the limitations of taxanes, including hypersensitivity reactions, neurotoxicity, drug resistance and lack of validated biomarkers to guide therapy will be discussed, all of which have driven the development of novel agents. The mechanisms of action and drug development of new generations of MTAs will also be outlined. Agents demonstrating utility in Phase III clinical trials, including eribulin, ixabepilone, cabazitaxel and trastuzumab–DM1 will be highlighted, as well as novel agents currently in development and future directions for MTAs.