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Published on: November 27, 2016
Targeting TCTP with Sertraline and Thioridazine in Cancer Treatment
Robert Amson1, Christian Auclair2, Fabrice André3
1Bâtiment B2M, Institut Gustave Roussy, Unité Inserm U981, 114 rue Édouard-Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France. amson.robert@gmail.com.
Abstract:
We have initially demonstrated in knocking down experiments that decreasing TCTP in cancer cells leads in some tissues to cell death while in others to a complete reorganization of the tumor into architectural structures reminiscent of normal ones. Based on these experiments and a series of other findings confirming the key role of TCTP in cancer, it became important to find pharmacological compounds to inhibit its function, and this became for us a priority. In the present text, we explain in detail the experiments that were performed and the perspectives of sertraline in cancer treatment, as this became today a reality with a clinical study that started in collaboration with Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University.
Insights
Targeting Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) in cancer cells can induce cell death or tumor reorganization. Sertraline shows promise as a potential cancer treatment, with a clinical study now underway.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) plays a critical role in cancer progression.
- Previous experiments indicated that reducing TCTP levels affects cancer cell viability and tumor structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional role of TCTP in cancer.
- To identify and evaluate pharmacological compounds, specifically sertraline, for their potential in cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Gene knockdown experiments to assess the impact of reduced TCTP on cancer cells.
- In vitro and in vivo studies to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of sertraline.
- Analysis of tumor architecture and cell death following TCTP manipulation.
Main Results:
- Decreasing TCTP levels resulted in either cancer cell death or the formation of normal-like tissue structures.
- Sertraline demonstrated potential as a therapeutic agent against cancer.
- A collaborative clinical study involving Columbia University and Johns Hopkins University has been initiated.
Conclusions:
- TCTP is a crucial target for cancer intervention.
- Sertraline represents a promising candidate for novel cancer treatments.
- Further clinical investigation is warranted to confirm the efficacy of sertraline in cancer patients.
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