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Updated: Jan 9, 2026

Cytotoxic Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy in Osteosarcoma Cells In Vitro
Published on: March 18, 2014
Involvement of TP53 in osteosarcoma - challenges and prospects
Yue Shen1, Shuzhou Huang2, Geng Chen1
1Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, China.
Abstract:
Osteosarcoma (OS), the most common primary malignant bone tumor, remains a therapeutic challenge because of its high metastatic potential, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene, including loss-of-function (LOF) and gain-of-function (GOF) mutations, play a central role in OS progression by disrupting cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, and apoptosis and promoting immune evasion and metabolic reprogramming. This review provides an in-depth analysis of p53 biology in OS, highlighting its impact on therapeutic resistance and tumor progression. We discuss advancements in radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, emphasizing strategies targeting mutant TP53 and its associated pathways. Emerging approaches, including metabolic reprogramming, noncoding RNA regulation, and precision biomarkers such as miRNAs and histone modifications, offer promising tools for diagnosis, risk stratification, and treatment optimization. By linking the molecular mechanisms of p53 with novel therapeutic strategies, this review underscores opportunities for translational research aimed at improving the clinical outcomes of OS patients.
Insights
Mutations in the TP53 gene drive osteosarcoma progression and resistance to therapy. Targeting mutant TP53 and associated pathways offers new strategies to improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone cancer, characterized by high metastatic potential, chemoresistance, and poor prognosis.
- Mutations in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene are critical drivers of OS progression, affecting cell cycle, DNA repair, apoptosis, immune evasion, and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an in-depth analysis of p53 biology in osteosarcoma.
- To highlight the impact of TP53 mutations on therapeutic resistance and tumor progression.
- To discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting mutant TP53 and related pathways.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive review of existing literature on p53 in osteosarcoma.
- Analysis of the role of TP53 mutations in OS pathogenesis.
- Exploration of current and emerging therapeutic approaches, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, metabolic reprogramming, noncoding RNA regulation, and precision biomarkers.
Main Results:
- TP53 mutations significantly influence OS progression and therapeutic response.
- Targeting mutant TP53 and its downstream pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- Emerging strategies like metabolic reprogramming and precision biomarkers show potential for improved diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions:
- Understanding p53 biology is crucial for developing effective osteosarcoma treatments.
- Targeting mutant TP53 pathways and utilizing novel approaches can enhance therapeutic strategies.
- Translational research linking molecular mechanisms to clinical applications is key to improving outcomes for osteosarcoma patients.
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