New molecular targets and novel agents for human hepatoma / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Current anti-hepatoma agents in clinical aplication have not been proved to be satisfactory. The major obstacles are low efficacy, toxicity, and drug resistance. Identifying new drug targets and discovering new agents accordin gly with high efficacies and low toxicities have become the key part of the solu tion. Recent studies have shown that hyper-methylation of tumor suppressor gene s, interaction between hepatocyte growth factor and its receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor and its receptor, as well as cyclooxygenase-2 might be potential targets for hepatomachemotherapy. Indeed, agents acting on these targets have shown to be effective. In addition, other agents such as As 2O 3 have also shown th eir activities against hepatoma.