Improved cancer survival rates can be achieved by strategies that specifically target tumor-cell resistance to apoptosis, but the precise cellular mechanisms that control this process have been unclear. In 15 July advanced online
Fulda et al. observed that expression of a cytosolic active form of Smac or Smac peptides could sensitize resistant neuroblastoma or melanoma cells and patient-derived primary neuroblastoma cells ex vivo. In addition, Smac peptides strongly enhanced the antitumor activity of Apo-2L/tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) in an intracranial malignant glioma xenograft model in vivo. Combined treatment with Smac peptides and Apo2L/TRAIL achieved complete eradication of established tumors and ...