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Mitogenesis and the search for new targets for anticancer drug design
1MRC Clinical Oncology and Radiotherapeutics Unit, Medical Research Council Centre, Cambridge, UK.
Abstract:
An exciting new approach to the treatment of cancer is the development of therapeutic strategies which target growth factors and the signal transduction pathways elicited by them. The rationale for targeting the processes which regulate cell proliferation rests on the contention that the malignant phenotype is maintained as a result of alterations in the biochemistry of growth control. The challenge is to design novel anticancer agents which exploit qualitative or quantitative differences in the biochemical elements controlling tumour cell growth and thereby achieve tumour selectivity. A wide variety of drugs are currently under development and include agents which block growth factor-receptor interaction, or which inhibit the action or formation of second messengers such as protein kinase C or phospholipase C. Although in its infancy, the use of inhibitors of growth factor action as antineoplastic agents has already proven effective against some tumours.
Insights
Targeting cancer cell growth factors and signaling pathways offers a novel therapeutic strategy. This approach exploits differences in tumor cell growth control to develop selective anticancer agents.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer's malignant phenotype is sustained by altered growth control biochemistry.
- Targeting cell proliferation pathways is a key strategy in cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel anticancer agents targeting growth factors and signal transduction pathways.
- To achieve tumor selectivity by exploiting biochemical differences in tumor cell growth control.
Main Methods:
- Developing drugs that block growth factor-receptor interactions.
- Inhibiting second messenger actions or formation, such as protein kinase C or phospholipase C.
Main Results:
- A variety of novel anticancer agents are under development.
- Inhibitors of growth factor action have shown effectiveness against some tumors.
Conclusions:
- Targeting growth factors and their signaling pathways represents a promising, albeit early-stage, approach to cancer therapy.
- This strategy holds potential for developing selective and effective antineoplastic agents.