Neoplasms

Neoplasms are defined as abnormal masses of tissue that result when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should (National Cancer Institute, 2023). They can be classified as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), with the latter having the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body (World Health Organization, 2022). Because 'Neoplasms' is a broad pathological term encompassing a wide variety of disease states, it does not constitute a specific molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme. Instead, it serves as the clinical indication for which various targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies, are developed (StatPearls, 2023). In drug discovery and pharmacology, this term is used to categorize the disease state rather than to identify a single protein or nucleic acid sequence that a drug binds to. Consequently, while 'Neoplasms' is the focus of oncology, it is considered an incorrect entry when searching for a specific therapeutic target molecule.

Other names

TumorCancerMalignancyBenign growthNew growth

Not applicable