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Microtubule-targeting agents in oncology and therapeutic potential in hepatocellular carcinoma

Herbert H Loong1, Winnie Yeo1

  • 1Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, Hong Kong Cancer Institute, State Key Laboratory in Oncology in South China, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.

Oncotargets and Therapy
|May 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Novel microtubule-binding agents show promise for treating liver cancer. These agents, especially when combined with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, may overcome resistance and improve outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Microtubules are crucial in mammalian cell division and are targets for anticancer drugs.
  • Microtubule-binding agents are established anticancer treatments, with newer agents offering improved specificity and resistance profiles.
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging to treat, with limited efficacy of current chemotherapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in novel microtubule-binding agents.
  • To discuss the potential efficacy of these agents in treating hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • To explore combination therapies, particularly with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, for overcoming treatment resistance in HCC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent developments in microtubule-binding agents.
  • Analysis of preclinical data on the efficacy of these agents in hepatocellular carcinoma models.
  • Examination of studies investigating combination therapies for HCC treatment.

Main Results:

  • Newer anti-tubulin agents exhibit enhanced tumor specificity, reduced neurotoxicity, and overcome chemoresistance.
  • Preclinical evidence suggests microtubule-binding agents are effective against hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Combination therapy with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors may overcome resistance to microtubule-binding agents in HCC.

Conclusions:

  • Novel microtubule-binding agents represent a promising therapeutic avenue for hepatocellular carcinoma.
  • Combination strategies involving microtubule-binding agents and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors warrant further investigation for HCC treatment.
  • These advancements offer potential for improved outcomes in difficult-to-treat liver cancers.
Keywords:
chemotherapymTOR inhibitionmicrotubular stabilization and destabilizationmicrotubule-binding agents

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