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Identification of OTX1 and OTX2 As Two Possible Molecular Markers for Sinonasal Carcinomas and Olfactory Neuroblastomas
Published on: February 28, 2019
Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets in neuroblastoma
John Inge Johnsen1, Cecilia Dyberg1, Susanne Fransson2
1Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
Abstract:
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranical tumor of childhood and the most deadly tumor of infancy. It is characterized by early age onset and high frequencies of metastatic disease but also the capacity to spontaneously regress. Despite intensive therapy, the survival for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma and those with recurrent or relapsed disease is low. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies for these patient groups. The molecular pathogenesis based on high-throughput omics technologies of neuroblastoma is beginning to be resolved which have given the opportunity to develop personalized therapies for high-risk patients. Here we discuss the potential of developing targeted therapies against aberrantly expressed molecules detected in sub-populations of neuroblastoma patients and how these selected targets can be drugged in order to overcome treatment resistance, improve survival and quality of life for these patients and also the possibilities to transfer preclinical research into clinical testing.
Insights
New targeted therapies are needed for high-risk neuroblastoma, a deadly childhood cancer. Research into molecular causes offers hope for personalized treatments to improve patient survival and quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Cancer Molecular Biology
- Translational Cancer Research
Background:
- Neuroblastoma is a common and deadly extracranial childhood tumor, often presenting with metastatic disease.
- High-risk and relapsed neuroblastoma patients have poor survival rates despite intensive treatments.
- Understanding the molecular basis of neuroblastoma is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the potential of targeted therapies for neuroblastoma.
- To explore the development of personalized treatments based on molecular pathogenesis.
- To address treatment resistance and improve outcomes for high-risk neuroblastoma patients.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing high-throughput omics technologies to resolve neuroblastoma's molecular pathogenesis.
- Identifying aberrantly expressed molecules in specific neuroblastoma patient subpopulations.
- Evaluating strategies for drugging selected molecular targets.
Main Results:
- Molecular pathogenesis insights enable personalized therapy development for high-risk neuroblastoma.
- Targeted therapies offer potential to overcome treatment resistance.
- Preclinical research holds promise for clinical translation.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies against specific molecular alterations can improve survival and quality of life in neuroblastoma.
- Personalized medicine approaches are essential for treating high-risk and relapsed neuroblastoma.
- Bridging preclinical research and clinical application is key to advancing neuroblastoma treatment.
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