Telomerase activation in human cancers. Academic Article

abstract

• OBJECTIVE: To review the background of telomerase activation and the methodology involved in its determination, and the clinico-pathological significance of telomerase activation in human cancers. DATA SOURCES: An English-language literature search using MEDLINE (1966-1997) and bibliographic reviews of textbooks and review articles. RESULTS: Progressive shortening of telomeres was associated with continuous cell division in normal somatic cells. Telomerase was activated in most cancer cells and immortal germ cells to maintain their telomeric lengths. The occurrence and clinical pathological significance of telomerase activation was evaluated in various types of human cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Telomerase activation is a common event in human cancers and may be as a useful marker for malignant cells. Telomerase may also be a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

authors

• Zhang, Dekai

published proceedings

• Chin Med J (Engl)

author list (cited authors)

• Tsao, S. W., Zhang, D. K., Cheng, R. Y., & Wan, T. S

citation count

• 5

complete list of authors

• Tsao, SW||Zhang, DK||Cheng, RY||Wan, TS

publication date

• August 1998

published in

• Chinese Medical Journal  Journal

keywords

• Brain Neoplasms
• Lung Neoplasms
• Neoplasms
• Neuroblastoma
• Telomerase

PubMed Central ID

• 11245033

start page

• 745

end page

• 750

volume

• 111

issue

• 8