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Published on: July 18, 2017
Oncogene-blocking therapies: new insights from conditional mouse tumor models.
J G Hengstler1, E O Bockamp, M Hermes
1Center for Toxicology, Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Leipzig, Germany. jan.hengstler@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Oncogene-blocking therapies show initial tumor remission but often recurrence due to different oncogenes driving growth. Dormant tumor cells, resistant to therapies, represent a potential new target for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Targeted therapies like Herceptin and Gleevec emerged from identifying oncogene-driven pathways.
- Conditional mouse models allow oncogene expression to be switched off, aiding research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore implications of oncogene downregulation in tumor growth and recurrence.
- To investigate the role of dormant tumor cells as a potential therapeutic target.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies using conditional mouse tumor models.
- Analysis of cell systems demonstrating oncogene-induced senescence/dormancy.
Main Results:
- Oncogene downregulation typically causes initial tumor remission, followed by recurrent growth driven by different oncogenes.
- Dormant tumor cells exhibit resistance to stimuli and therapies, remaining viable.
Conclusions:
- Recurrent tumor growth suggests broader kinase inhibitors may overcome escape mechanisms.
- Dormant cells represent a potential, underestimated target; further research is needed to identify senolytic agents.
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