Can be Heat Shock Transcription Factor 1 a Potential Target for Hyperthermic Therapy

Abstract

Hyperthermia(HT)has been considered a promising approach in cancer therapy. However, the acquisition of thermoresistance in tumor due to several responses of tumor,such as an increase in heat shock proteins (HSPs),makes HT less effective. The induction of HSPs is mainly mediated by the activation of heat shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1). It has been shown that HSF1 is abundantly expressed in human tumor cells of various origins. Moreover, it takes part in the initiation and maintenance of tumor. Silencing of HSF1 could suppress tumor formation and enhance the effectiveness of HT. In this review,the physiological and pathological roles of HSF1 in cancer cells are summarized, and its potential as a therapeutic target for hyperthermic therapy is discussed.