Anti-cancer Drugs: Pre-clinical Discovery and Development

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to the development of anti-cancer drugs and methodologies discussed in the lecture.

Chemotherapy

A type of cancer treatment that aims to inhibit the proliferation and survival of cancer cells.

Syngeneic

Referring to genetically identical organisms, often used in the context of laboratory animals for transplanting tissues.

Xenograft models

Animal models that implant human cancer cell lines into immunodeficient mice to study human cancer biology.

Molecularly targeted therapy

A cancer treatment strategy that uses drugs designed to specifically target molecular pathways involved in cancer.

Driver mutation

A mutation that contributes to cancer development and is essential for tumor growth.

RNA interference

A biological process in which small RNA molecules inhibit gene expression or translation.

CRISPR-Cas9

A gene editing tool that allows for precise alterations in DNA by utilizing a bacterial immune mechanism.

ADME

An acronym for Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, and Elimination; key properties of a drug's pharmacokinetics.

Immunodeficient mouse strains

Mouse models that lack a functioning immune system, allowing for the study of human cells and tissues.

Target identification

The process of pinpointing specific molecular targets for drug development.

Target validation

Confirming that a molecular target is relevant in the context of cancer therapy.

Off-target effects

Unintended interactions of a drug with targets other than the intended molecular target.

Personalized medicine

Tailoring medical treatment to the individual characteristics of each patient, particularly in cancer treatment.