( theBcl-2 family of proteins interact w...)Abbott Researchers Focus on New Cutting-Edge Approaches in the,Fight Against Cancer,Health

ABT-263 recently entered Phase I clinical trials for lymphomas and solid tumors, including small cell lung cancer. Preclinical data has shown that Abbott's Bcl-2 family protein inhibitors bind to Bcl-2 proteins, restoring cell death to cancerous cells. Additionally, the compounds were found to enhance the effects of chemotherapy and radiation used to treat other types of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer.

PARP Inhibitors (ABT-888)

DNA damaging agents remain some of the most successful treatments for cancer. The enzyme Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (abbreviated PARP) can help repair DNA damage caused by these agents used to treat cancer and render them ineffective. As PARP activity is often increased in cancer cells, it provides these cells with a survival mechanism.

ABT-888 is an oral PARP-inhibitor developed by Abbott researchers to prevent DNA repair in cancer cells and increase the effectiveness of common cancer therapies such as radiation and alkylating agents.

ABT-888 has entered a Phase 0 trial for patients with refractory solid tumors and lymphoid malignancies, and will enter Phase I trials for melanoma this year. Preclinical data indicates ABT-888 has improved the effectiveness of radiation and many types of chemotherapy in animal models of cancer.

Kinase Inhibitors (ABT-869)

Many oncology researchers are currently developing agents that target kinases, a class of enzymes that are often overly activated in cancer cells. Inhibition of the appropriate kinases can suppress tumor growth by cutting off its blood supply.

Discovered by Abbott scientists, ABT-869 is a multitargeted kinase inhibitor that is in Phase I clinical trials for solid tumors and selected hematologic malignancies such as leukemia. Phase II trials for several tumor types will also begin t
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