[Cancer chemotherapy and apoptosis]
T Mashima1, M Naito, S Kataoka
1Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo.
Abstract:
Tumor cells undergo apoptotic cell death when treated with several chemotherapeutic agents. Since these agents, acting on different cellular targets, induce a similar pattern of cell death (apoptosis), it is suggested that a common signaling pathway of apoptosis could exist and that apoptosis resistance could cause a new form of multi-drug resistance in tumor cells. Although the mechanisms of apoptosis are not fully understood, the involvement of ICE/ced-3 family proteases in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis is strongly suggested. Identification of factors directly acting on these apoptosis pathway will offer new strategies in cancer chemotherapy.
Insights
Chemotherapy triggers programmed cell death (apoptosis) in tumor cells via a common pathway. Resistance to this apoptosis may lead to multi-drug resistance, highlighting ICE/ced-3 proteases as potential therapeutic targets.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Context:
- Chemotherapeutic agents induce apoptotic cell death in tumor cells.
- Despite diverse cellular targets, these agents trigger a common cell death pattern, suggesting a shared apoptosis signaling pathway.
Purpose:
- To investigate the potential existence of a common apoptosis signaling pathway in tumor cells treated with chemotherapy.
- To explore the link between apoptosis resistance and multi-drug resistance in cancer.
Summary:
- Chemotherapy induces apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death, in tumor cells.
- The consistent induction of apoptosis suggests a conserved signaling cascade.
- Resistance to apoptosis could be a mechanism of multi-drug resistance in cancer.
- ICE/ced-3 family proteases are implicated in chemotherapy-induced apoptosis.
Impact:
- Understanding these pathways can identify novel therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
- Targeting apoptosis pathways may overcome multi-drug resistance.
- This research opens new avenues for developing more effective cancer chemotherapy strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...


