Genetic and epigenetic alterations in the RB pathway" are common among human cancers. Through mutational events or gene silencing mechanisms cancer cells either eliminate the Rb gene or hyper-activate RB phosphorylation to neutralize its tumor suppression function. Given the prevalence of RB-pathway defects in sporadic human cancers it is logical to target this pathway in cancer therapy. The goal of this Forum is to review and discuss the current status of cancer therapeutic strategies designed to target specific components in the RB pathway, in particular cyclin-dependent protein kinases. The Forum will also discuss new knowledge on the role of RB in the regulation of cancer cell response to therapy, and how the new information may be incorporated into the rational application of therapy according to the status of the RB pathway.
Forum: Targeting the Rb Pathway in Cancer Therapy

Moderator; Jean Y. J. Wang. Moores UCSD Cancer Ctr., La Jolla, CA

Mariano Barbacid. National Cancer Ctr. of Spain, Madrid, Spain

Invited Abstract; Erik S. Knudsen. Kimmel Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA,