[Molecular targeted therapeutics for leukemia].
Recent molecular biological analyses of leukemia cells have revealed that deregulation of various cellular signaling pathways and deregulation of epigenetic regulation are involved in the development of leukemia. Based on these findings, many kinds of small molecular compounds have been developed to inhibit the function of proteins that are involved in signaling pathways or to modify the epigenetic regulation. These reagents include tyrosine kinase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors and DNA metyltransferase inhibitors. Furthermore, a monoclonal antibody against CD33 conjugated to an anti-cancer agent is currently being used for AML treatment. Effects of combinations of these reagents have also been examined in detail. These molecular targeted therapies are expected to improve the effectiveness of leukemia therapy.
Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University.
Tadashi
T
Nagai
D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D058990:Molecular Targeted Therapy; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D016044:Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl