What are the Challenges in Hit Validation for Cancer?
Hit validation in cancer research faces several challenges:
Heterogeneity: Cancer is highly heterogeneous, meaning that a hit effective in one cancer type may not be effective in another. Off-target effects: Compounds may interact with unintended biological targets, leading to undesired side effects. Resistance: Cancer cells can develop resistance to therapies, making it crucial to validate hits in models that can predict resistance mechanisms. Complex biology: The intricate signaling pathways in cancer require comprehensive validation strategies to ensure that hits affect the intended pathways.