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Updated: Aug 31, 2026
Analyzing Tumor and Tissue Distribution of Target Antigen Specific Therapeutic Antibody
Published on: May 16, 2020
TRAIL and anti-tumor responses
Mahaveer Swaroop Bhojani1, Brian D Rossú, Alnawaz Rehemtulla
1Center for Molecular Imaging, Departments of Radiology, University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0648, USA.
Abstract:
The therapeutic use of TRAIL as an inducer of tumor specific cell death prove to be an useful strategy to overcome resistant of cancer cells to conventional chemotherapeutic agents. Although five death receptors have been identified which bind TRAIL and a number of checkpoint involved in TRAIL pathway are known, the molecular mechanism underlying the resistant or sensitivity of normal/transformed cells remains poorly understood. The key to the clinical use of TRAIL is that normal cells are resistant to its cytotoxic activity and that it specifically targets cancer cells thus resulting in large therapeutic index. In spite of this observation, TRAIL will probably not be viable as single agent as there are numerous reports that have demonstrated the resistance of various tumor cells to TRAIL. The concept of combination therapy is therefore key for the use of TRAIL against tumors that are refractory to treatment with either agent alone. Results from preclinical studies on TRAIL have been very promising for cancer treatment; however, outcome from phase I/II clinical trials is eagerly awaited to assess its safety. Only time will tell whether the search for the Holy Grail for treatment of cancer will end with TRAIL?
Insights
Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows promise for cancer therapy by inducing tumor cell death. Combination therapy may overcome TRAIL resistance in some cancers, with clinical trials pending.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces cancer cell death, offering a strategy against chemotherapy resistance.
- While TRAIL targets cancer cells, resistance mechanisms in normal and transformed cells are not fully understood.
- TRAIL's selective toxicity towards cancer cells suggests a high therapeutic index, but resistance limits its use as a single agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of TRAIL in cancer treatment.
- To investigate the role of TRAIL in overcoming chemoresistance.
- To highlight the importance of combination therapy for TRAIL-resistant tumors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TRAIL, its receptors, and signaling pathways.
- Analysis of preclinical study results for TRAIL's efficacy.
- Discussion of clinical trial outcomes and future prospects.
Main Results:
- TRAIL effectively induces tumor-specific apoptosis, potentially overcoming resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
- Normal cells exhibit resistance to TRAIL, enhancing its therapeutic index.
- Tumor cell resistance to TRAIL necessitates combination therapy approaches.
Conclusions:
- TRAIL is a promising anti-cancer agent, particularly when used in combination therapies.
- Further clinical trials are crucial to evaluate TRAIL's safety and efficacy.
- TRAIL-based combination therapies may represent a significant advancement in cancer treatment.
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