Related Experiment Videos
First international conference on new molecular targets for anticancer therapy, Naples, 22-23 June 1998
1Divisione di Oncologia Sperimentale C, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Fondazione G Pascale, Napoli, Italy.
Abstract:
The First International Conference on New Molecular Targets for Anticancer Therapy was held in Naples on 22-23 June 1998, and represented an excellent occasion for discussing ongoing preclinical and clinical studies in the field of angiogenesis, signal transduction and antisense. In two general lectures, early clinical trials which are ongoing at EORTC and NCI, Bethesda, were summarized. Neoangiogenesis has been considered as a central pathogenic step in the process of tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. This complex process involves multiple steps and pathways dependent on the local balance between positive and negative regulatory factors, as well as interaction between the tumor, its vasculature and the surrounding extracellular matrix. Therapeutic agents and strategies are currently being devised to block one or more of the pathogenic steps involved in the process of tumor neovascularization or to directly target and destroy tumor vasculature. Since aberrant cell signaling plays a key role in the initiation, growth and progression of many tumors, signal transduction inhibitors may have a role as cytostatic agents. In addition, cancer sensitivity/resistance to conventional chemo/radiotherapy is largely dependent on cell signaling; hence its inhibition may induce a fundamental shift towards sensitivity. Thus, signal transduction inhibitors may play an important role also as modulators of conventional therapies, by shifting the balance towards pro-apoptotic signaling. Modulation of gene expression using oligonucleotides is currently an area of intense preclinical and clinical investigation. The effectiveness of antisense oligonucleotides as therapeutic agents depends, in addition to biological activity, on pharmacokinetics, tissue disposition, in vivo metabolic activity, elimination and safety profile. Probably the most clever way of using antisense oligonucleotides is to combine them with conventional chemotherapy, exploiting the different and possibly complementary mechanisms of action of the two treatment modalities.
Insights
This conference highlighted new anticancer therapies targeting tumor angiogenesis, signal transduction, and antisense oligonucleotides. These approaches aim to inhibit tumor growth and enhance chemotherapy effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- The First International Conference on New Molecular Targets for Anticancer Therapy convened to discuss advancements in preclinical and clinical research.
- Key areas of focus included tumor angiogenesis, signal transduction pathways, and antisense oligonucleotide therapies.
Framework:
- Tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis are critically dependent on neoangiogenesis, a complex process involving multiple regulatory factors and interactions.
- Therapeutic strategies are being developed to inhibit tumor neovascularization or directly target tumor vasculature.
Implementation:
- Signal transduction inhibitors show potential as cytostatic agents and modulators of conventional therapies, potentially increasing cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Antisense oligonucleotides are under investigation for modulating gene expression, with their therapeutic effectiveness depending on pharmacokinetic and safety profiles.
Implications:
- Combining antisense oligonucleotides with conventional chemotherapy may offer synergistic effects through complementary mechanisms of action.
- These novel molecular targets and therapeutic strategies represent a significant step forward in developing more effective anticancer treatments.