1,638,910 new cancer cases and 577,190 deaths from cancer are projected in the U.S. in 2012. In the latest 5 year period cancer death rates have decreased by 1.8% annually. Incidence is stable; advances in treatment account for this . Traditional cancer drugs are cytotoxic compounds, non-selective in their lethal effects on cancer and normal cells. Current drug development, informed by discoveries in the molecular genetics of cancer, focus on small molecules and antibodies that target specific cellular pathways responsible for oncogenesis. Targeted therapeutics alter dysregulated pathways selectively in cancer cells with potential for improved efficacy and less toxicity. New cancer diagnostics and clinical trial designs are required.