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TRAIL-mediated signaling in prostate, bladder and renal cancer

Christina Voelkel-Johnson1

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. johnsocv@musc.edu

Nature Reviews. Urology
|June 15, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) shows promise for cancer therapy by inducing apoptosis in malignant cells. Research now focuses on combination therapies to overcome TRAIL resistance in genitourinary cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Drug Discovery

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a death receptor ligand that selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells.
  • TRAIL-based therapeutics are advancing through clinical trials for various cancers.
  • TRAIL resistance is a significant challenge, necessitating the development of combination therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore combination therapies for overcoming TRAIL resistance in genitourinary malignancies.
  • To investigate the role of endogenous TRAIL and TRAIL receptor expression in cancer development and treatment response.
  • To understand the biological consequences of altered TRAIL pathway expression.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on TRAIL therapeutics and resistance mechanisms.
  • Analysis of studies involving small-molecule inhibitors, natural compounds, and repurposed drugs affecting TRAIL pathways.
  • Examination of changes in TRAIL and TRAIL receptor expression in genitourinary cancer models and during treatment.

Main Results:

  • Various agents, including small-molecule inhibitors and natural compounds, can modulate TRAIL receptors and survival pathways.
  • Expression patterns of TRAIL and its receptors change during genitourinary cancer development and in response to treatment.
  • Understanding these expression dynamics is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Combination therapies are essential to overcome TRAIL resistance in cancer treatment.
  • Modulating TRAIL pathway components offers a viable strategy for enhancing anti-cancer effects.
  • Further research into TRAIL and TRAIL receptor expression is critical for optimizing TRAIL-based cancer therapies.

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