Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers
E-ISSN: 1873-4294|5|2|107-107
ISSN: 1568-0266
Source: Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, Vol.5, Iss.2, 2005-04, pp. : 107-107
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Abstract
Cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death in developed countries despite monumental basic research and clinical efforts waged by both government and industry. Although it is clear that we are continuing to refine our understanding of mechanisms for malignant transformation, growth, and resistance of cancers, so it is also evident that we have a significantly difficult path ahead. Multiple, inter-related and redundant survival signaling pathways have been recently uncovered that convey resistance against initiallyefficacious antiproliferative agents. Fittingly, these pathways have themselves become targets for intervention and the pace of innovation and discovery toward that end has been impressive.This issue contains a collection of reviews that describe state-of -the art cancer biology and medicinal chemistry toward novel and exciting malignant disease targets. The authors have included the background biology needed to understand the target rationale and then have moved on to the lead discovery, drug optimization, and clinical results stages as appropriate. The reader will note that the papers cover antiproliferative agents that target a wide range of approaches including interruption of the p53/MDM2 interation, interference with the mitotic kinesin KSP, and the development of selective agents targeting aurora kinases, cyclin-dependent kinases, Akt, MEK, the Hedgehog signaling pathway, and pololike kinases. The breadth of this work is as impressive as the challenge itself.My hope is that this Issue will serve as an source of information and inspiration for those who would think about designing, preparing, and studying new antiproliferative therapeutics. I would like to thank each of the authors for their contributions, acknowledge their hard work and dedication as Contributors, and express hope that the efforts that they now lead will make a difference to cancer patients.Finally, I would like to dedicate my efforts in this endeavor to my mentor and graduate advisor Professor Paul G. Gassman who has had a life-long positive impact on my goals in science.
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