Cytochrome P450 enzymes: Novel options for cancer therapeutics

The concept of overexpression of individual forms of cytochrome P 450 enzymes in tumor cells is now becoming well recognized. Indeed, a growing body of research highlights the overexpression of P 450s, particularly CYP1B1, in tumor cells as representing novel targets for anticancer therapy. The purpose of this review is to outline the novel therapeutic options and opportunities arising from both enhanced endogenous expression of cytochrome P 450 in tumors and cytochrome P 450-mediated gene therapy.