Review of novel and supplemental approvals of the targeted cancer drugs by the Food and Drug Administration in 2021.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to present the most recent results from clinical trials of targeted cancer drugs that led to the Food and Drug Administration approval in 2021 and reflect the changing treatment landscape of solid malignancies.

DATA SOURCES

Novel approvals and supplemental approvals in 2021 were retrieved from the official web page of the Food and Drug Administration (Drugs@FDA). This review did not include approvals for generics, biosimilars, imaging, and diagnostics agents.

DATA SUMMARY

This review included 10 novel drugs approved for 11 indications and 10 already-approved drugs approved for 21 indications by the Food and Drug Administration in 2021. Novel approvals mainly were related to treating an orphan disease. In addition, one-third of the supplemental approvals were given for neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment, while the number of indications for each tumor site was as follows: gastrointestinal (7), genitourinary (5), skin (3), lung (2), breast (2), thyroid (1), and cervix (1).

CONCLUSIONS

Targeted cancer treatments are gaining more importance than ever in treating malignant diseases. As the approval of targeted cancer drugs provides a possibility for patients and this trend is expected to continue in the future, it remains vital for healthcare providers to stay up-to-date with newer therapeutic options.