Can Cancer Cell Immortality Be Targeted for Treatment?
Yes, targeting the mechanisms that confer immortality to cancer cells is a promising approach in cancer treatment:
Telomerase Inhibitors: Drugs that inhibit telomerase activity can limit the ability of cancer cells to maintain their telomeres, leading to eventual cell death. Gene Therapy: Strategies to restore the function of tumor suppressor genes or inhibit oncogenes can help in controlling cancer cell growth. Apoptosis-Inducing Drugs: These drugs can trigger programmed cell death in immortal cancer cells, counteracting their survival advantage.