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Survivin, a molecular target for therapeutic interventions in squamous cell carcinoma

Zakir Khan1,2, Abdul Arif Khan3, Hariom Yadav4

  • 1School of Studies in Biotechnology, Jiwaji University, Gwalior, 474001 MP India.

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters
|May 25, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Survivin, a protein overexpressed in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), promotes cancer cell survival and resistance to therapy. Targeting survivin offers a promising strategy to improve SCC treatment outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a prevalent cancer globally, often requiring aggressive multimodal treatment.
  • Despite current therapies, high rates of relapse persist in locally advanced SCC.
  • Survivin, an Inhibitor of Apoptosis Protein (IAP), is overexpressed in SCC and crucial for cancer cell survival.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the therapeutic potential of targeting survivin in cancer treatment.
  • To highlight survivin's role in SCC progression and treatment resistance.
  • To discuss recent advancements in survivin-targeting strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on survivin in cancer.
  • Analysis of survivin's role in apoptosis inhibition and cell division regulation.
  • Evaluation of various strategies developed to target survivin expression.

Main Results:

  • Survivin overexpression is linked to poor prognosis, aggressive behavior, and therapy resistance in SCC.
  • Targeting survivin can induce apoptosis and attenuate tumor growth.
  • Several strategies targeting survivin have shown efficacy in preclinical models.

Conclusions:

  • Survivin is a validated molecular target for SCC therapy due to its overexpression and critical role in cancer survival.
  • Targeting survivin presents a feasible and promising strategy to overcome treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes in SCC.
  • Further research into survivin-targeting agents holds significant therapeutic potential for various malignancies.
Keywords:
ApoptosisCDK inhibitorsCancer immunotherapyHsp90 inhibitorsSquamous cell carcinoma (SCC)SurvivinYM155

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