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hERG Channels: From Antitargets to Novel Targets for Cancer Therapy

Annarosa Arcangeli1, Andrea Becchetti2

  • 1Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. annarosa.arcangeli@unifi.it.

Clinical Cancer Research : an Official Journal of the American Association for Cancer Research
|December 2, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the hERG K+ channel shows promise for cancer therapy by affecting neoplastic progression. However, strategies are needed to prevent fatal arrhythmias caused by hERG channel blockade.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cardiology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene (hERG) K+ channel plays a role in neoplastic progression.
  • Blockade of the hERG channel exhibits anticancer effects in preclinical models.

Discussion:

  • hERG channel blockade can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias in humans.
  • Developing cancer therapies targeting hERG requires careful consideration of cardiotoxicity.

Key Insights:

  • Evidence is presented on mitigating cardiotoxicity associated with hERG channel targeting in cancer treatment.
  • Understanding hERG channel function is crucial for safe and effective cancer therapies.

Outlook:

  • Future research should focus on selective hERG inhibitors or alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • Clinical translation of hERG-targeted cancer therapies necessitates robust safety protocols to manage cardiac risks.

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