Clinical potential of inhibitors of survival pathways and activators of apoptotic pathways in treatment of cervical cancer: changing the apoptotic balance

Cervical cancer is the most common gynaecological malignant disorder worldwide. The best possible treatment of locally advanced cervical cancer is a combination of radiation and cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, 5-year overall survival is still only 52%. To improve treatment results, research should focus on the discovery of innovative drug strategies. Drugs directed at inducing tumour-cell apoptosis are regarded as important treatment modalities. Here, we present an overview of the molecular options that can change the apoptotic balance in cervical cancer, through increasing death-receptor-mediated apoptosis, the use of proteasome inhibitors, short interfering RNAs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Furthermore, the potential of attacking prosurvival signalling through the epidermal-growth-factor receptor and insulin-like-growth-factor receptor to support the apoptotic process is discussed. Additional research is needed to elucidate the clinical potential of these compounds in the treatment of cervical cancer.