Final answer:
Molecules that cause allosteric changes in cell-surface receptors can alter receptor function, leading to the inhibition of tumor growth by disrupting cellular signaling that controls cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
Such molecules can cause allosteric changes in the receptor, leading to altered receptor function and, consequently, the slowing or stopping of tumor growth. By changing the shape of the receptor, the molecule can prevent the receptor from sending the continuous signals that promote the growth and division of cancer cells. This is essential, as errors in the protein structures of cell-surface receptor proteins can lead to severe health consequences, including cancer.
In addition, cell signaling pathways are complex and tightly regulated processes. Termination of the signal cascade is just as crucial as its initiation to maintain normal cellular functions. Stopping a signal can involve the degradation of the ligand or its removal to prevent access to its receptor, which is a strategy used in some cancer treatments to halt aberrant cell signaling.