Telomerase Inhibitors

Telomerase inhibitors are a type of treatment that target an enzyme called telomerase, which helps cancer cells maintain their telomeres—protective caps on the ends of chromosomes. In normal cells, telomeres shorten as we age, leading to cell death, but cancer cells often use telomerase to extend their lifespan and continue dividing. By inhibiting this enzyme, telomerase inhibitors can potentially stop the growth of tumors and make cancer cells more susceptible to treatments. This strategy aims to slow down or halt cancer progression by targeting the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to thrive.