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Journal of Hematology & Oncology
Published in: Journal of Hematology & Oncology 1/2020

01-12-2020 | Lymphoma | Review

MCL-1 inhibitors, fast-lane development of a new class of anti-cancer agents

Authors: Arnold Bolomsky, Meike Vogler, Murat Cem Köse, Caroline A. Heckman, Grégory Ehx, Heinz Ludwig, Jo Caers

Published in: Journal of Hematology & Oncology | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Cell death escape is one of the most prominent features of tumor cells and closely linked to the dysregulation of members of the Bcl-2 family of proteins. Among those, the anti-apoptotic family member myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) acts as a master regulator of apoptosis in various human malignancies. Irrespective of its unfavorable structure profile, independent research efforts recently led to the generation of highly potent MCL-1 inhibitors that are currently evaluated in clinical trials. This offers new perspectives to target a so far undruggable cancer cell dependency. However, a detailed understanding about the tumor and tissue type specific implications of MCL-1 are a prerequisite for the optimal (i.e., precision medicine guided) use of this novel drug class. In this review, we summarize the major functions of MCL-1 with a special focus on cancer, provide insights into its different roles in solid vs. hematological tumors and give an update about the (pre)clinical development program of state-of-the-art MCL-1 targeting compounds. We aim to raise the awareness about the heterogeneous role of MCL-1 as drug target between, but also within tumor entities and to highlight the importance of rationale treatment decisions on a case by case basis.
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Metadata
Title
MCL-1 inhibitors, fast-lane development of a new class of anti-cancer agents
Authors
Arnold Bolomsky
Meike Vogler
Murat Cem Köse
Caroline A. Heckman
Grégory Ehx
Heinz Ludwig
Jo Caers
Publication date
01-12-2020
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Journal of Hematology & Oncology / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1756-8722
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13045-020-01007-9

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Myeloid-derived suppressor cells—new and exciting players in lung cancer

Review

The MAPK and AMPK signalings: interplay and implication in targeted cancer therapy

Correction

Correction to: Long non-coding RNA HUMT hypomethylation promotes lymphangiogenesis and metastasis via activating FOXK1 transcription in triple-negative breast cancer

Research

Daratumumab, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: subgroup analysis of CASTOR based on cytogenetic risk

Letter to the Editor

Identification of cross-talk between m6A and 5mC regulators associated with onco-immunogenic features and prognosis across 33 cancer types
Webinar | 19-02-2024 | 17:30 (CET)

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on antibody–drug conjugates in cancer

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Antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) are novel agents that have shown promise across multiple tumor types. Explore the current landscape of ADCs in breast and lung cancer with our experts, and gain insights into the mechanism of action, key clinical trials data, existing challenges, and future directions.

Dr. Véronique Diéras
Prof. Fabrice Barlesi
Developed by: Springer Medicine
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