Clinical potential of inhibitors of survival pathways and activators of apoptotic pathways in treatment of cervical cancer: changing the apoptotic balance

Lancet Oncol. 2005 Aug;6(8):589-98. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(05)70281-3.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral
  • Papillomavirus Infections / complications
  • Prognosis
  • Signal Transduction
  • Survival Analysis
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Uterine Cervical Neoplasms / physiopathology*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Oncogene Proteins, Viral