Targeting Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand (TRAIL): A Promising Therapeutic Strategy in Gliomas

Tumor necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has been increasingly studied for the treatment of gliomas. TRAIL has the ability to specifically target cancer cells, without any harmful effects on normal cells, and induces apoptosis by interacting with specific receptors. Nevertheless, resistance mechanisms to TRAIL may occur at different points in the signaling pathways of TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Various approaches have been developed to overcome TRAIL resistance. Here, we have reviewed the known molecular pathways by which TRAIL exerts anticancer activity, possible resistance mechanisms, ways to sensitize resistant cancer cells, and finally the current clinical successes or limitations of TRAIL-based therapies. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.