Clinical potential of inhibitors of survival pathways and activators of apoptotic pathways in treatment of cervical cancer: changing the apoptotic balance.
Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological malignant disorder worldwide. The best possible treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer is a combination of radiation and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, 5-year overall survival is still only 52%. To improve treatment results, research should focus on the discovery of innovative drug strategies. Drugs directed at inducing tumour-cell apoptosis are regarded as important treatment modalities. Here, we present an overview of the molecular options that can change the apoptotic balance in cervical cancer, through increasing death-receptor-mediated apoptosis, the use of proteasome inhibitors, short interfering RNAs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Furthermore, the potential of attacking prosurvival signalling through the epidermal-growth-factor receptor and insulin-like-growth-factor receptor to support the apoptotic process is discussed. Additional research is needed to elucidate the clinical potential of these compounds in the treatment of cervical cancer.
Hougardy
Brigitte M T
BM
Department of Gynaecological Oncology, University of Groningen and University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.
Maduro
John H
JH
van der Zee
Ate G J
AG
Willemse
Pax H B
PH
de Jong
Steven
S
de Vries
Elisabeth G E
EG
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral; D030361:Papillomavirus Infections / Q000150:complications; D011379:Prognosis; D015398:Signal Transduction; D016019:Survival Analysis; D002583:Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral