By preventing the accumulation of misfolded or damaged proteins, the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has essential functions in cell homeostasis. Cancer cells produce proteins that promote cell survival and proliferation, and inhibit cell death, and thus, clinical trials have tested the therapeutic effect of proteasome inhibitors on patients with a variety of cancer types, mainly haematological malignancies. Herein, the authors discuss the advances and challenges derived from the introduction of proteasome inhibitors in the clinic, including therapeutic resistance.
- Elisabet E. Manasanch
- Robert Z. Orlowski