Determining the success of anticancer treatments
The EC-funded IMPALED project studied the interplay of a variety of cellular and molecular pathways that influence the 'behaviour' of cancer cells. In other words the difference between resistance and sensitivity of cancer cells to specific treatment regimens lies in their biochemical set-up and in their inherent apoptotic pathways. Triggering these apoptotic pathways, which result in cell death, is the key in determining the success of the treatment. Project partner, Karolinska Institute, carried out detailed investigations on the factors responsible for resistance of lung cancer cells to treatment. The results showed that lung cancer cells can be found to be resistant to treatment through a variety of pathways. These pathways include elements from both the nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments of the cells and resistance against both chemo- and radio-therapy can be observed. Pharmaceutical companies involved in the development of anticancer treatments are likely to find these results of particular interest given their potential impact on ongoing research.
