|
Release Date: January, 2008
Termination Date: January 31, 2009
WELCOME
The mammalian target of
rapamycin (mTOR) is an important regulator of cell growth, survival, and
motility.1 Inhibition of mTOR with sirolimus or its derivatives
(temsirolimus, everolimus, deforolimus) has demonstrated efficacy in
several cancers, including both solid and hematologic tumors.
In this 2-part
newsletter series, Combination Therapy With mTOR Inhibitors: Future
Directions and Strategic Therapeutic Approaches, we examine the role
of mTOR inhibition in current cancer treatment and future combinations
with cytotoxic, endocrine, and targeted therapies. This first issue
focuses on mechanisms that contribute to mTOR-mediated tumor growth and
survival. We review the signaling pathways involved, examine the efficacy
of mTOR inhibition as monotherapy in renal cell carcinoma, and explore
clinical data regarding monotherapy and combination regimens involving
mTOR inhibitors and other targeted therapies in glioma, and in lung and
breast cancer.
It has been observed
that, in some cancer cell lines, mTOR inhibition does not cause cancer
cell apoptosis, as individual agents may not inhibit all mTOR functions.2-5
Thus, while in vivo treatment can delay tumor growth and progression,
monotherapy may be insufficient for complete remission. Combining targeted
therapies, however, is a promising treatment strategy that we hope will
lead to improved patient outcomes.
Sincerely,
Robert J. Motzer, MD
|
Robert J. Motzer, MD, is Professor of Medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City. Additionally, Dr Motzer is Attending Physician in the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology at Memorial Hospital for Cancer and Allied Diseases and Member of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, both in New York City.
Dr Motzer received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, and completed a residency in internal medicine at Cornell University Medical College, Affiliated Hospitals of North Shore University Hospital, Manhasset, New York, and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He completed fellowships in medical oncology/hematology and research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and in medicine at Cornell University Medical Center.
A genitourinary medical oncologist, Dr Motzer focuses on testicular and kidney cancers. He is the leading researcher for a multisite clinical trial of high-dose chemotherapy for patients with germ-cell tumors and a poor prognosis. Dr Motzer also conducts trials of paclitaxel in patients with relapsing or nonresponsive testicular cancer and of new immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs for treatment of kidney cancer.
|
