A hallmark of cancer cells is defects in the apoptotic cell death program. Apoptosis is a highly regulated cell suicide process that functions to remove unwanted cells. One means of inhibiting the apoptotic pathway in cancer cells is through up-regulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family members, including BCL-2, BCL-XL and MCL-1. To restore the ability of cells to undergo apoptosis, small molecules have been designed to inhibit these proteins (Nature Webcast).
When you have a cancer you do not think on bcl proteins but on the surgery and probably on chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Indeed there are tests to know for some cancers if a given chemotherapeutic agent may be efficacious to a given patient, i.e. if the drug will enter and stay in the cancer cells until it kills them.
Apoptosis is an important key mechanism in various processes including regeneration and wound healing. So only targeted interference with apoptosis might be beneficial for the patient.
Yes. there is a technique names as BH3 profiling which predict the interplay between Bcl2 family members and response to drugs. Anthony Letai from HMS developed this technique.
On quick look BH3 profiling is not ready to bu useful for patients. I may be wrong.
Dr. Franco, If you take a deep look, I think You may change your mind.
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