Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026

Ex Vivo Treatment Response of Primary Tumors and/or Associated Metastases for Preclinical and Clinical Development of Therapeutics
Published on: October 2, 2014
Targeting HSP70 for cancer therapy
Lorenzo Galluzzi1, Fabrizio Giordanetto, Guido Kroemer
1INSERM, U848, F-94805 Villejuif, France; Institut Gustave Roussy, F-94805 Villejuif, France.
Abstract:
In a recent issue of Molecular Cell, Leu et al. (2009) demonstrate that a chemical inhibitor of HSP70 exerts prominent tumor-selective cytotoxic effects, thereby lending further support to the notion that non-oncogene addiction constitutes a promising target for anticancer therapy.
Insights
A chemical inhibitor targeting Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) shows significant tumor-killing effects. This discovery supports targeting non-oncogene addiction for new cancer treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer cells often rely on specific proteins for survival.
- Targeting these non-essential proteins (non-oncogene addiction) is a potential therapeutic strategy.
- Heat Shock Protein 70 (HSP70) is implicated in cancer cell survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic potential of inhibiting HSP70.
- To determine if HSP70 inhibition has tumor-selective effects.
- To evaluate non-oncogene addiction as an anticancer target.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a chemical inhibitor targeting HSP70.
- Assessed the cytotoxic effects of the inhibitor on tumor cells.
- Examined the selectivity of the inhibitor towards cancer cells versus normal cells.
Main Results:
- The HSP70 inhibitor demonstrated significant cytotoxic effects specifically in tumor cells.
- The findings indicate a tumor-selective action of the chemical inhibitor.
- This supports the concept of targeting non-oncogene addiction.
Conclusions:
- Inhibition of HSP70 is a promising strategy for cancer therapy.
- Non-oncogene addiction represents a viable target for developing novel anticancer drugs.
- Further research into HSP70 inhibitors is warranted for clinical application.
Related Concept Videos
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
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...

