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Review

Nature Reviews Cancer 6, 714–727 (1 September 2006) | doi:10.1038/nrc1913

Comparing antibody and small-molecule therapies for cancer

Kohzoh Imai & Akinori Takaoka

The 'magic bullet' concept of specifically targeting cancer cells at the same time as sparing normal tissues is now proven, as several monoclonal antibodies and targeted small-molecule compounds have been approved for cancer treatment. Both antibodies and small-molecule compounds are therefore promising tools for target-protein-based cancer therapy. We discuss and compare the distinctive properties of these two therapeutic strategies so as to provide a better view for the development of new drugs and the future direction of cancer therapy.