Ham-Wasserman lecture: treatment of acute leukemia by inducing differentiation and apoptosis.
Conventional treatment of acute leukemia involves the use of cytotoxic agents (chemotherapy), but other strategies have been explored. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic have clearly been effective in the treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which creates the possibility that other types of acute leukemia can be conquered by selectively inducing differentiation and/or apoptosis. A great number of investigations have been performed to elucidate the mechanisms and search for effective agents in the treatment of other types of acute leukemia by these new strategies. Progress at the molecular level has been achieved in explaining the mechanisms of action of ATRA and arsenic compounds, and several new agents have emerged, although their clinical effectiveness remains to be confirmed. Mechanism-/gene-based targeted therapy and a combination of different strategies will improve the treatment of acute leukemia.
Wang
Zhen-Yi
ZY
Shanghai Second Medical University, Shangai Institute of Hematology, Shanghai, China.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D012074:Remission Induction / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents