What are enzyme inhibitors and how do they work in cancer treatment?

What are enzyme inhibitors and how do they work in cancer treatment?

Enzyme inhibitors are substances that slow down or prevent enzyme activity. In cancer treatment, they can block enzymes that cancer cells need to grow and divide.

Can you give me examples of enzyme inhibitors used in cancer therapy?

Sure! Some examples include proteasome inhibitors like bortezomib and PARP inhibitors like olaparib, which target specific pathways in cancer cells.

What are the side effects of using enzyme inhibitors?

Common side effects can include fatigue, nausea, and increased risk of infections, but they vary depending on the specific inhibitor used.

How do researchers determine which enzyme inhibitors to use for different types of cancer?

Researchers study the specific enzymes involved in different cancers and their pathways, often using genetic and molecular profiling to tailor treatments.