Telomeres, telomerase, and cancer: mechanisms, biomarkers, and therapeutics.

IF 9.4 1区医学 Q1 HEMATOLOGY Experimental Hematology & Oncology Pub Date : 2025-01-27 DOI:10.1186/s40164-025-00597-9

Songting Shou, Ayidana Maolan, Di Zhang, Xiaochen Jiang, Fudong Liu, Yi Li, Xiyuan Zhang, En Geer, Zhenqing Pu, Baojin Hua, Qiujun Guo, Xing Zhang, Bo Pang

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Abstract

Telomeres and telomerase play crucial roles in the initiation and progression of cancer. As biomarkers, they aid in distinguishing benign from malignant tissues. Despite the promising therapeutic potential of targeting telomeres and telomerase for therapy, translating this concept from the laboratory to the clinic remains challenging. Many candidate drugs remain in the experimental stage, with only a few advancing to clinical trials. This review explores the relationship between telomeres, telomerase, and cancer, synthesizing their roles as biomarkers and reviewing the outcomes of completed trials. We propose that changes in telomere length and telomerase activity can be used to stratify cancer stages. Furthermore, we suggest that differential expression of telomere and telomerase components at the subcellular level holds promise as a biomarker. From a therapeutic standpoint, combining telomerase-targeted therapies with drugs that mitigate the adverse effects of telomerase inhibition may offer a viable strategy.

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来源期刊

Experimental Hematology & Oncology Medicine-Oncology

CiteScore

12.60

自引率

7.30%

发文量

审稿时长

6 weeks

期刊介绍： Experimental Hematology & Oncology is an open access journal that encompasses all aspects of hematology and oncology with an emphasis on preclinical, basic, patient-oriented and translational research. The journal acts as an international platform for sharing laboratory findings in these areas and makes a deliberate effort to publish clinical trials with 'negative' results and basic science studies with provocative findings. Experimental Hematology & Oncology publishes original work, hypothesis, commentaries and timely reviews. With open access and rapid turnaround time from submission to publication, the journal strives to be a hub for disseminating new knowledge and discussing controversial topics for both basic scientists and busy clinicians in the closely related fields of hematology and oncology.