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 accordingly with high efficacies and low toxicities have become the key part of the solution. Recent studies have shown that hyper-methylation of tumor suppressor genes, 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 2O3 have also shown their activities against hepatoma.