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The endothelin axis: emerging role in cancer
Joel Nelson1, Anna Bagnato, Bruno Battistini
1University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 5200 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA. nelsonjb@msx.upmc.edu
Nature Reviews. Cancer
|February 4, 2003
Summary
The endothelin (ET) axis regulates normal tissue functions and also impacts tumor growth. ET-receptor antagonists show promise in cancer therapy, warranting further investigation for various malignancies.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The endothelin (ET) axis, comprising endothelins and their receptors, plays crucial roles in normal physiological processes.
- These processes include modulation of vasomotor tone, tissue differentiation, development, cell proliferation, and hormone production.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the ET axis in tumor growth and progression.
- To evaluate the potential of ET-receptor antagonists as a therapeutic strategy in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data on the ET axis in normal physiology and cancer.
- Analysis of preliminary clinical trial results, specifically focusing on ET(A)-receptor antagonists like atrasentan in prostate cancer.
Main Results:
- The ET axis is implicated in the growth and progression of various tumors.
- Preliminary clinical data with atrasentan in prostate cancer suggest encouraging therapeutic potential.
Conclusions:
- The ET axis is a significant factor in cancer development.
- ET-receptor antagonists represent a promising therapeutic avenue for a range of malignancies and require further clinical investigation.
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