Inhibiting the Priming for Cancer in Li-Fraumeni Syndrome

The concept of the pre-cancerous niche applies the ‘seed and soil’ theory of metastasis to the initial process of carcinogenesis. TP53 is at the nexus of this process and, in the context of Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS), is a key determinant of the conditions in which cancers are formed and progress. Important factors in the creation of the pre-cancerous niche include disrupted tissue homeostasis, cellular metabolism and chronic inflammation. While druggability of TP53 remains a challenge, there is evidence that drug re-purposing may be able to address aspects of pre-cancerous niche formation and thereby reduce the risk of cancer in individuals with LFS.