Telomere dynamics have been reported extensively as a critical component
of cancer, and established evidence exists an important relationship between telomere
biology and cancer. Although more than 85% of all carcinomas rely on telomerase
activity to maintain stable telomere length, most normal somatic cells are telomerase
negative. Therefore, effective methods for specific diagnostic and prognostic utility by
telomerase detection have been described, and, to date, ideal targeting telomerase
therapy with minimal adverse effects on normal somatic cells have been attempted. In
this mini review, we summarize the role of telomeres and telomerase in cancer, clinical
use, and targeted telomerase cancer therapies.
Keywords: Adverse effects, Cancer, Sarcoma, Telomerase, Telomere.
