S. Sharma et al., PRECLINICAL AND CLINICAL STRATEGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TELOMERASE ANDTELOMERE INHIBITORS, Annals of oncology, 8(11), 1997, pp. 1063-1074
Background: Telomerase is an important enzyme whose activity has been
convincingly demonstrated in humans recently. It is required for maint
enance of ends of chromosomes (telomeres) during cell division. Since
its presence has been selectively demonstrated in dividing cells inclu
ding tumor cells, it has generated considerable excitement as a potent
ial anticancer strategy. Design: In this article, we review the curren
t relevant biology of the enzyme, the challenges encountered in the pr
eclinical phase of target development and the current efforts that foc
us on telomeres and telomerase as therapeutic targets. We also specula
te on the potential toxicities and mechanisms of resistance that may b
e encountered during use of such therapies.