What class do small molecule inhibitors, like tyrosine kinase inhibitors, belong to?

Small molecule inhibitors, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, are classified under targeted therapy. This classification is due to their mechanism of action, which specifically targets and inhibits the activity of enzymes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. By preferentially targeting specific molecular pathways or mutations associated with cancer, these inhibitors can limit damage to normal cells and reduce side effects compared to traditional chemotherapeutic agents.

Targeted therapy, including the use of small molecule inhibitors, is designed to achieve a more precise therapeutic effect by exploiting the genetic and molecular characteristics of the tumor, making it distinct from broader categories like cytotoxic agents, which indiscriminately kill rapidly dividing cells, or hormonal agents, which modulate hormone effects in cancers that are hormone-dependent. This specificity is key to the effectiveness of targeted therapies in certain cancer types, enabling better patient outcomes and increased treatment personalization.