Targeting Cell Survival Pathways to Enhance Response to Chemotherapy

Targeting Cell Survival Pathways to Enhance Response to Chemotherapy encompasses recently developed molecular targeting agents and approaches that suppress cell survival signaling. Cell survival signaling attenuates the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy and numerous mechanisms have been described, and continue to be described, which contribute to cell survival in the face of chemotherapy treatment.

Key pathways leading to chemoresistance emanate from growth factor receptors, PI3K, STAT3, anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members, autophagy, and the DNA damage response pathway. New advances have underscored the potential of targeting each of these cell survival mechanisms to improve responsiveness to chemotherapy. This book reviews these recent advances and provides a foundational background and hints of new opportunities for basic, translational, and clinical investigators focused on improving therapeutic responses to chemotherapy.

1. Targeting Members of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Family to Improve Response to Chemotherapy2. Targeting the Hepatocyte Growth Factor Receptor to Overcome Resistance to Targeted Therapies3. Roles for AXL and MERTK in Resistance to Cytotoxic and Targeted Therapies4. The JNK Pathway in Drug Resistance5. Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor (FGFR) Inhibitors: Enhancing Therapeutic Strategies for Solid Tumors6. PIK3CA Mutations in Colorectal and Breast Cancer: Impact on Oncogenesis and Response to Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs7. STAT3 as a Major Contributor to Chemoresistance8. Targeting the Hippo Pathway to Improve Response to Chemotherapy9. Modulation of the Epigenome (Methylome) to Improve Chemotherapeutic Efficacy10. Targeting the ATR Signaling Pathway to Overcome Chemoresistance in Cancer11. PARP Inhibition to Enhance Response to Chemotherapy12. Autophagy Inhibition and Chemosensitization in Cancer Therapy13. Targeting Necroptosis in Anti-Tumor Therapy