Network-targeted combination therapy : a new concept in cancer treatment

Toxicity is a major concern for anti-neoplastic drugs, with much of the existing pharmacopoeia being characterized by a very narrow therapeutic index. 'Network-targeted' combination therapy is a promising new concept in cancer therapy, whereby therapeutic index might be improved by targeting multiple nodes in a cell's signaling network, rather than a single node. Here, we examine the potential of this novel approach, illustrating how therapeutic benefit could be achieved with smaller doses of the necessary agents.