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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Establishing Cell Lines Overexpressing DR3 to Assess the Apoptotic Response to Anti-mitotic Therapeutics
Published on: January 11, 2019
Apoptosis pathway-targeted drugs--from the bench to the clinic
Jeff Cummings1, Tim H Ward, Malcolm Ranson
1Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Group, Cancer Research UK Paterson Institute, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK.
Abstract:
It is an exciting time for cancer researchers in the field of apoptotic cell death. The avalanche of discoveries over the past decade or so regarding how apoptosis is regulated begins to be exploited for therapeutic benefit as the first apoptosis-targeted drugs enter early clinical trials. This chapter provides a selective review on the development of such drugs. We also outline issues regarding the regulation and design of early clinical trials of this type of molecularly targeted agent. Finally, we discuss the biomarkers and surrogate pharmacodynamic endpoint assays currently available to chart the efficacy of apoptosis-inducing anticancer therapy.
Insights
Researchers are developing new cancer therapies targeting apoptotic cell death. Early clinical trials are underway for these novel drugs, with ongoing research into clinical trial design and efficacy biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Recent advances in understanding apoptosis regulation fuel therapeutic development.
- The first apoptosis-targeted cancer drugs are now in early clinical trials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of apoptosis-targeted anticancer drugs.
- To discuss challenges in regulating and designing early clinical trials for molecularly targeted agents.
- To explore biomarkers and surrogate endpoints for assessing treatment efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature review on apoptosis-targeted drug development.
- Analysis of regulatory and design considerations for early-phase clinical trials.
- Discussion of available biomarkers and pharmacodynamic assays.
Main Results:
- The field of apoptosis research is rapidly advancing, leading to new therapeutic strategies.
- Early clinical trials for apoptosis-targeting agents are commencing.
- Biomarker and assay development is crucial for evaluating treatment effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis-targeted therapies represent a promising new frontier in cancer treatment.
- Careful consideration of clinical trial design and regulation is essential for these novel agents.
- Biomarkers play a vital role in monitoring the efficacy of apoptosis-inducing anticancer therapies.
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