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Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Defining Gene Functions in Tumorigenesis by Ex vivo Ablation of Floxed Alleles in Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor Cells
Published on: August 25, 2021
Therapeutic targeting of tumor suppressor genes
Luc G T Morris1, Timothy A Chan
1Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York; Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.
Abstract:
Carcinogenesis is a multistep process attributable to both gain-of-function mutations in oncogenes and loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes. Currently, most molecular targeted therapies are inhibitors of oncogenes, because inactivated tumor suppressor genes have proven harder to "drug." Nevertheless, in cancers, tumor suppressor genes undergo alteration more frequently than do oncogenes. In recent years, several promising strategies directed at tumor suppressor genes, or the pathways controlled by these genes, have emerged. Here, we describe advances in a number of different methodologies aimed at therapeutically targeting tumors driven by inactivated tumor suppressor genes.
Insights
Targeting cancer requires addressing both oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes. New therapeutic strategies are emerging to target inactivated tumor suppressor genes, offering new hope for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Genetics
Background:
- Carcinogenesis involves both oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation.
- Current cancer therapies primarily target oncogenes, as targeting tumor suppressor genes is challenging.
- Tumor suppressor genes are frequently altered in cancer, making them critical therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in therapeutic strategies targeting inactivated tumor suppressor genes.
- To highlight methodologies for addressing tumors driven by tumor suppressor gene loss-of-function.
- To discuss the potential of targeting tumor suppressor pathways in cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of emerging therapeutic strategies and methodologies.
- Analysis of approaches targeting tumor suppressor genes and their controlled pathways.
- Discussion of advances in 'drugging' inactivated tumor suppressor genes.
Main Results:
- Identification of several promising strategies for targeting tumor suppressor genes.
- Advances in methodologies for therapeutically targeting tumors with inactivated tumor suppressor genes.
- Progress in developing treatments for cancers driven by tumor suppressor gene alterations.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic targeting of tumor suppressor genes is a rapidly advancing field.
- New strategies offer potential for treating cancers previously considered difficult to drug.
- Focusing on tumor suppressor gene pathways presents a promising avenue for cancer therapy.
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