Personalized and targeted therapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: an update

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2016 Oct;1381(1):66-73. doi: 10.1111/nyas.13144. Epub 2016 Jul 11.

Abstract

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a deadly disease that requires extensive research. In this review, we update recent progress in the research area of targeted therapy for ESCC. SOX2 and its associated proteins (e.g., ΔNP63α), which regulate lineage survival of ESCC cells, are proposed as therapeutic targets. It is believed that targeting the lineage-survival mechanism may be more effective than targeting other mechanisms. With the advent of a new era of personalized targeted therapy, there is a need to move from the tumor-centric model into an organismic model.

Keywords: SOX2; esophageal squamous cell carcinoma; lineage survival; targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / diagnosis*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / therapy*
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
  • Humans
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Precision Medicine / methods*
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Tumor Microenvironment / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • SOX2 protein, human
  • SOXB1 Transcription Factors
  • TP63 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins