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Targeting the heat shock response in cancer: tipping the balance in transformed cells

Sartaj S Sanghera1, Joseph J Skitzki

  • 1Department of Surgical Oncology, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Elm and Carlton Streets, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.

Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America
|September 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The heat shock response (HSR) helps cells manage stress and can promote cancer. New small molecule inhibitors targeting the HSR offer promising, targeted cancer treatments with potential synergy with existing therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • The heat shock response (HSR) is a cellular mechanism that manages stress.
  • Aberrant HSR signaling is implicated in cancer development and progression.
  • Specific HSR components are co-opted by cancer cells, presenting therapeutic opportunities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of HSR in tumorigenesis.
  • To identify HSR components as therapeutic targets in cancer.
  • To review the development of small molecule inhibitors for HSR-targeted cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and analysis of existing research on HSR in cancer.
  • Identification and characterization of key HSR pathways involved in tumorigenesis.
  • Assessment of the preclinical and clinical development status of HSR inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • The HSR plays a significant role in mediating cellular stress and promoting cancer.
  • Several HSR components have been identified as viable targets for anti-cancer drug development.
  • Numerous small molecule inhibitors targeting the HSR are in various stages of clinical trials.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the HSR represents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapies.
  • Small molecule inhibitors of the HSR offer potential for highly targeted treatments.
  • These inhibitors may provide synergistic effects when combined with current cancer therapies.
Keywords:
CuraxinsHSF-1Heat shock responseSmall molecule inhibitors

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