The development of pro-apoptotic cancer therapeutics
Noha I Ziedan1, Hachemi Kadri, Andrew D Westwell
1Welsh School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Redwood Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cardiff, CF10 3XF, UK.
Mini Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry
|June 10, 2008
Abstract:
Resistance to apoptosis is one of the fundamental hallmarks of cancer. Recently, the selective induction of apoptosis in cancer cells has emerged as an exciting possibility for the development of future selective cancer therapy. This review will summarise the development of the major classes of small molecule "pro-apoptotic" antitumour agents.
Insights
Cancer cells resist apoptosis, a key hallmark of cancer. This review summarizes the development of small molecule pro-apoptotic agents for selective cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Resistance to apoptosis is a fundamental characteristic of cancer.
- Targeting apoptosis offers a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the development of small molecule pro-apoptotic antitumour agents.
- To highlight advancements in selective cancer therapy induction of apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific publications.
- Summary of major classes of pro-apoptotic antitumour agents.
- Analysis of developmental trends in targeted cancer therapy.
Main Results:
- Identification of key small molecule pro-apoptotic agents.
- Overview of their mechanisms in inducing cancer cell death.
- Assessment of their potential in selective cancer treatment.
Conclusions:
- Small molecule pro-apoptotic agents represent a significant advancement in cancer therapy.
- Selective induction of apoptosis is a viable strategy for future cancer treatments.
- Further research into these agents promises improved therapeutic outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...