Highlights in experimental therapeutics

The past two decades have seen a dramatic change in cancer treatment paradigms. Anticancer agents are no longer being developed based on empiricism and serendipity, but are now being aimed to inhibit a validated target that is relatively specific for tumours rather than normal cells. The vast majority of cancers arise from multiple genetic lesions; thus, sophisticated drug cocktails, or single drugs acting on multiple downstream targets will be needed for successful cancer therapy. Three emerging concepts that are addressing these therapeutic needs and that are key to blocking steps in tumourigenesis will be highlighted in this review: (a) attacking cancer cell immortality by targeting the telomere/telomerase complex; (b) targeting oncogene activation by inhibiting the molecular chaperone Hsp90; and (c) stabilizing tumour suppressor proteins by modulating the ubiquitin-proteasome system.