Telomerase as a therapeutic target in cancer

Abstract:: Advances in chromosome dynamics have increased our understanding of the significant role of telomeres and telomerase in cancer. Telomerase is expressed in almost all cancer cells but is inactive in most normal somatic cells. Therefore, telomerase is an important target for the design of therapeutic agents that might have minimal side effects. Herein, we evaluate current approaches to telomerase-targeted therapy, discuss the benefits and disadvantages, and speculate on the future direction of telomerase inhibitors as cancer therapeutics. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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