|
 |
| home > ebr > summer 2004 > apoptosis and chemotherapy: helping cancer cells to die |
|
|
 PUBLICATIONS |
European BioPharmaceutical Review
|
| For an organism to develop multicellular tissues and organs, and to maintain cellular homeostasis during adulthood, the formation of new cells needs to be co-ordinated with the elimination of redundant and damaged cells. Apoptosis is the morphological manifestation of programmed cell death; the predominant mechanism that opposes and compliments cell proliferation. An imbalance between cell birth and death has pathological consequences: many chronic and acute degenerative disorders, as well as immunodeficiency diseases and infertility, are characterised by abnormally high rates of cell death in certain tissues. Conversely, suppression or retardation of apoptosis are distinguishing features in autoimmunity and cancer. Here I shall confine my discussion to the impact our current understanding of apoptotic signalling, as well as the mechanics of apoptosis, have on oncology drug discovery and development. Selective activation of programmed cell death in cancer cells is particularly desirable because apoptosis, as opposed to necrosis and other catastrophic cell injuries, leads to complete destruction and eradication of the aberrant cells without inflammatory and immunological side-effects. |
Read full article >>
|
|
 |
|
| Rate this article |
You must be a member of the site to make a vote. |
|
Average rating: |
0 |
| | | | | |
|
|
 |
Industry Events |
 |
Paediatric Clinical Trials
19-20 January 2009, Copthorne Tara Hotel, London, UK
More info >>
|
|
 |
News and Press Releases |
 |
BASi Opens New Office in Europe
12th November 2008
More info >> |
|
 |
