A Comprehensive Review on the Application of Cornerstone Combination Therapy for the Cancer Treatment

Abstract

The current review focuses on cancer, the second most important disease across the globe. Cancer is a non-communicable disease leading to an alteration in the body at the genetic level. Nearly 130 types of cancers were reported across the world. The classification, diagnostic and treatment methods currently being reported were discussed. It was understood that surgery is the most commonly used therapy for benign tumors or the initial stage tumors. Of the conventional monotherapies, chemotherapy has gained importance to cure or suppress cancer in an economical manner. Besides cure, many side effects, tumor sensitivity, were observed which can range from mild to life-threatening in some patients. Hence, combination therapy combinations of conventional monotherapy came into existence to overcome the side effects economically within less time. In combination therapy, the toxicity of the drugs being used can be minimized as they target the alternate pathway. Of various combinations, targeting the enzymes responsible for tumor growth and metastasis by small molecule inhibitors has gained importance because of high specificity (under clinical studies). Hence, combination therapy is a cornerstone therapy which needs to be evaluated thoroughly among large numbers of people across the world.