Recent Advances in Cancer Treatment Drugs: The Developmental Journey from Preclinical Discovery to Market Approval

Abstract

The oncology landscape is undergoing a profound paradigm shift from broad-spectrum cytotoxic chemotherapies to highly selective, mechanism-driven precision medicine. This report systematically reviews the structural development, validation pathways, and regulatory mechanisms of next-generation oncology therapeutics. Modern precision oncology focuses on the targetable oncogenic drivers of malignant transformation—including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertions, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) mutations, Kirsten rat sarcoma virus oncogene (KRAS) G12C, and estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) mutations—via small-molecule kinase inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) featuring stable linkers and topoisomerase I payloads, and proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs). We highlight clinical milestones and regulatory approvals from 2025 and 2026, including the landmark PROTAC vepdegestrant, bispecific antibodies such as zenocutuzumab, and novel combinations like teclistamab with daratumumab.