Cancer cell survival and proliferation pathways

Cancer cell survival and proliferation pathways refer to the integrated network of biochemical signaling cascades that drive the uncontrolled growth and longevity of malignant cells. These pathways, including the PI3K/AKT/mTOR, MAPK/ERK, and Wnt/beta-catenin routes, are central to the 'Hallmarks of Cancer' as they allow cells to sustain proliferative signaling and evade growth suppressors [Hanahan & Weinberg, Cell 2011]. In many cancers, these pathways are hyperactivated by mutations in oncogenes or the loss of tumor suppressor genes, leading to continuous cell cycle progression and resistance to apoptosis [NIH National Cancer Institute]. Pharmacological targeting of these pathways involves the use of small molecule kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies designed to block specific molecular triggers or downstream effectors [Nature Reviews Drug Discovery]. However, the high degree of crosstalk and redundancy within these networks often necessitates combination therapies to prevent the emergence of resistance [PubMed, PMC4921160]. Because this term describes a broad category of biological processes rather than a single molecular entity, it is generally considered a therapeutic area or a set of targets rather than a specific drug target itself [StatPearls, Cancer Cell Survival Pathways].

Other names

Oncogenic signaling pathwaysTumor survival signalingCell proliferation networksCancer growth pathways

Inhibition of specific signaling nodes such as tyrosine kinases, intracellular kinases, or anti-apoptotic proteins to disrupt growth signals and induce programmed cell death.