INTRODUCTION

Recently, new oncology therapies were developed using a biomarker for patient selection. In the era of cancer genomics, this paradigm is expected to increase. Most cytotoxic chemotherapies and other oncological treatments were historically approved without a biomarker. However, this strategy seems to be less efficient. We reviewed the biomarker-based strategy and its impact in cancer drug development.

AREAS COVERED

Oncology drugs approval rates are low and most of the drugs that failed to be approved were in late stages of development. In addition to that, attrition rates are high. The use of biomarkers in drug development has shown higher response rates, longer progression-free survival rates and even higher overall survival rates. Hence, the biomarker-based strategy seems to be associated with more successful drug programs, including a shorter timeline and higher likelihood of success.

EXPERT OPINION

Even though the development of biomarker-driven strategies is promising, there are some challenges surrounding this field of study, such as reducing the cost of drug development, enhancing the technique of biomarkers identification (aiming more specific biomarkers and considering tumor heterogeneity) and exploring the role of next-generation sequencing tests in drug development. Also, collaboration between clinicians, scientists and regulatory agencies is fundamental.