Ewing sarcoma: biology-based therapeutic perspectives

Pediatr Hematol Oncol. 2012 Feb;29(1):12-27. doi: 10.3109/08880018.2011.627582.

Abstract

Ewing sarcoma, a rare malignancy of childhood and adolescence, has attracted wide research interest. Tumor-specific chromosomal translocations generate aberrant EWS-ETS transcription factors, which alter intracellular signaling networks through gene and protein expression and are considered to be the primary tumor-initiating event. Ewing sarcoma therefore offers insights into principle molecular mechanisms of cancer development and maintenance. Still, despite long-standing research, biology-based targeted treatment strategies for Ewing sarcoma are only beginning to emerge. This article provides an overview of the biological basis and putative targeted treatment options.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / genetics
  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion / metabolism
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets / genetics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets / metabolism
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS / genetics
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS / metabolism
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / genetics
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / metabolism
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / pathology
  • Sarcoma, Ewing / therapy*
  • Translocation, Genetic / genetics

Substances

  • Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ets
  • RNA-Binding Protein EWS