Targeting telomerase activity by BIBR1532 as a therapeutic approach in germ cell tumors

Germ cell tumors (GCT) possess a high activity of telomerase, a ribonucleoprotein complex compensating the erosion of telomeres during cell division by adding TTAGGG-repeats to the telomeric ends of chromosomes. Cisplatin, the most important drug in the treatment of GCT, preferentially acts on G-rich regions like telomeres. Inhibiting telomerase in tumors can result in telomere shortening and senescence and could increase the efficacy of chemotherapy in refractory patients. The study evaluated the promise of the small molecule telomerase inhibitor BIBR1532 as single agent and assessed a possible synergism with cisplatin in a preclinical model of GCT.