Exploring cell differentiation, induced by inhibition of phospholipase C/protein kinase C cascade, as a potential therapeutic strategy against Rhabdomyosarcoma

Abstract

Among the reasons of childhood mortality, cancer is the leading cause ofdeath [1,2]. Of all paediatric cancers diagnosed, soft tissue sarcomas account for7%, of which approximately 50% are rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), with anincidence of 4.71 per million children and adolescents under 20 years of age [3,4].RMS can occur anywhere in the body, originating from mesenchymal cellsdestined to differentiate into skeletal muscle cells [5-7]. Treatment includessurgical resection, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, combined or not, dependingon the location and tumour size, and the presence of metastases, in the lattercase clinical outcomes are unsatisfactory [8]. Currently, the need for newtreatments is emphasized, aimed at minimizing the long-term impact of therapyand improving patient life quality. In this context, the ability to induce celldifferentiation of tumoral cells is particularly valuable, as it can provide analternative approach to combat the uncontrolled growth and malignant behaviorof undifferentiated cancer cells.