Cell signaling and cancer-possible targets for therapy

Tumor progression involves the acquisition of properties which include growth-factor independent cell proliferation, failure of inhibition by growth-inhibitory signals, ability to invade surrounding tissues, and to evade apoptosis, etc. Characterization of the profile or molecular signature of the tumor may permit the development of rational therapies that target the aberrant pathways. Rapidly growing tumor cells are usually associated with a high rates of glycolysis and in these cells, it may be advantageous to exploit this pathway which most likely is required for optimal synthetic needs. Combinatorial therapeutic agents which target the growth factor signal transduction pathways as well as apoptotic signaling pathways provide an opportunity for maximal therapeutic benefit.