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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

Detection and Isolation of Apoptotic Bodies to High Purity
Published on: August 12, 2018
[Anti-apoptotic mechanisms in small-cell lung carcinoma]
Yohann Loriot1, Julien Calderaro, Jean-Charles Soria
1Département de médecine, institut Gustave-Roussy, 39 rue Camille-Desmoulins, Villejuif, France. yohann.loriot@igr.fr
Abstract:
Small-cell lung carcinomas account for about 15-20% of lung cancer and are characterized by an intrinsic resistance to apoptosis. Increasing evidence suggests that alteration in apoptosis/antiapoptosis balance could lead to fundamental resistance of small-cell lung cancer to chemotherapy and radiation. These molecular alterations include alteration of mitochondrial pathways (BCL2 and BCLXL overexpression, activation of stress protein such as HSP 90 and HSP70, activation of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway). Others abnormalities could inhibit activation of extrinsic pathway such as caspase-8 and FAS underexpression as well as C-FLIP overexpression. New therapies targeting some of these abnormalities are under clinical evaluation and predictive factors of response are needed to personalize these therapies.
Insights
Small-cell lung cancer resists apoptosis due to altered molecular pathways, impacting treatment effectiveness. Identifying predictive factors is crucial for personalizing new therapies targeting these apoptosis-resistant mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Biology
- Cell Death Mechanisms
Context:
- Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) comprises 15-20% of lung malignancies.
- SCLC exhibits inherent resistance to apoptosis, a key factor in treatment failure.
- Dysregulation of apoptosis/antiapoptosis pathways contributes to chemo- and radioresistance in SCLC.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying apoptosis resistance in small-cell lung cancer.
- To identify key molecular alterations in both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways contributing to SCLC resistance.
Summary:
- Alterations in mitochondrial pathways, including BCL2 and BCLXL overexpression and activation of HSP 90/70 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR, are implicated.
- Inhibition of the extrinsic pathway, via caspase-8 and FAS underexpression or C-FLIP overexpression, also contributes to resistance.
- These molecular aberrations present therapeutic targets for novel SCLC treatments.
Impact:
- Highlights critical molecular targets for developing novel SCLC therapies.
- Emphasizes the need for predictive biomarkers to personalize treatment strategies.
- Advances understanding of apoptosis evasion in SCLC, paving the way for improved patient outcomes.
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The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
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Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
