Oncogene addiction might be the Achilles heel in cancer : part 1

Abstract

Multiple and complex genetic and epigenetic abnormalities underlie the multistage transformation of normal cells into cancerous ones. Among these abnormalities are the activation of oncogenes and loss of function of tumour suppressor genes. Besides these abnormalities, it is becoming evident that specific cancers are dependent on one or a few genes for their malignant phenotype, and this could be their ‘Achilles heel’. This survival dependency of cancer cells on an activated oncogene or inactivation of tumour suppressor gene is called ‘oncogene addiction’ and may well be a potential way to provide more rational molecular targeted therapy. This strategy needs to integrate new approaches into the clinical setting in order to characterise the state of oncogene addiction and accordingly, apply more effective and selective anti-cancer therapies.