The past few decades have witnessed unprecedented advances in our understanding of the molecular underpinnings of cancer. Although indiscriminately cytotoxic therapies like chemo- and radiation therapy remain standard of care for many cancer types, more precise targeted therapies and immune-boosting immunotherapies have added to our arsenal and afforded considerable survival gains. Despite those advances, we are still no closer to a cure, particularly for the most aggressive and insidious cancers that progress rapidly or go undiagnosed until advanced stages of disease. The substantial genetic diversity of tumors and universal nature of drug resistance present the most formidable and enduring challenges to effective cancer treatment.
Click on the PDF icon at the top of this introduction to read the full article.