Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
10:04
Enhancing Tumor Content through Tumor Macrodissection
Published on: February 12, 2022
Molecular targeted therapies for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma based on apoptosis profiles
Saskia A G M Cillessen1, Chris J L M Meijer, Michitaka Notoya
1Department of Clinical Pathology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. sagm.cillessen@vumc.nl
The Journal of Pathology
|January 21, 2010
Summary
Targeting apoptosis inhibitors offers a promising strategy for Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) treatment. This approach aims to selectively target cancer cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients resistant to conventional chemotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most prevalent adult non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Current chemotherapy combined with rituximab has a 30-40% fatality rate.
- Apoptosis pathway inhibition is crucial for lymphoma cell survival and linked to treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies targeting apoptosis inhibitors in DLBCL.
- To identify potential biomarkers for predicting patient response to targeted therapies.
- To offer hope for patients with chemotherapy-refractory DLBCL.
Main Methods:
- Review of current understanding of apoptosis signaling in DLBCL.
- Analysis of emerging targeted therapies focusing on apoptosis inhibitors.
- Discussion of potential for biomarker-driven patient selection.
Main Results:
- Targeting apoptosis inhibitors presents a promising avenue for DLBCL treatment.
- These targeted therapies may selectively eliminate tumor cells with minimal toxicity.
- Biomarkers can potentially predict sensitivity to these novel agents.
Conclusions:
- Developing molecules that target apoptosis inhibitors is a key strategy for DLBCL.
- This approach holds promise for improving outcomes, especially in refractory cases.
- Personalized medicine through biomarker identification is crucial for effective targeted therapy.
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...
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...
01:17The 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...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.