Multifaceted Evaluation of Inhibitors of Anti-Apoptotic Proteins in Head and Neck Cancer: Insights from In Vitro, In Vivo, and Clinical Studies (Review)

Abstract

This paper presents a multifaceted assessment of inhibitors of anti-apoptotic proteins (IAPs) in the context of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The article discusses the results of in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, highlighting the significance of IAPs in the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis, which is a key factor hindering effective treatment. The main apoptosis pathways, including the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, and the role of IAPs in their regulation, are presented. The study’s findings suggest that targeting IAPs with novel therapies may offer clinical benefits in the treatment of advanced HNSCC, especially in cases resistant to conventional treatment methods. These conclusions underscore the need for further research to develop more effective and safer therapeutic strategies.

Keywords

• apoptosis
• IAP
• HNSCC
• smac mimetics
• cancer
• head and neck