title: K(+) channels as therapeutic targets in oncology.
abstract: Ion channels are involved in a variety of tumors. In particular, potassium channels are expressed abnormally in many cancer types, where their pharmacologic manipulation impairs tumor progression. Since this group of molecules has been successfully targeted for decades in other therapeutic areas, there is a significant body of knowledge on the pharmacology of potassium channels. Several groups of potassium channels with defined molecular identities have been proposed as candidates for therapeutic intervention. The strategies put forward range from classical small molecule blockade to gene therapy approaches, and include the use of potassium channels as targets for adjuvant therapy. We will discuss the reasons for these proposals and explore possible future developments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology of Neuronal Signals, Max-Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hermann-Rein-Str. 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany. ws@em.mpg.de
authors.forename: Walter
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Stühmer
authors.forename: Luis A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Pardo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055808:Drug Discovery; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015221:Potassium Channels / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D026902:Potassium Channel Blockers; D015221:Potassium Channels