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Tyrosine kinases as targets for cancer therapy

Alexander Levitzki1

  • 1Unit of Cellular Signaling, Department of Biological Chemistry, The Silverman Institute for Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91904, Israel. levitzki@vms.huji.ac.il

European Journal of Cancer (Oxford, England : 1990)
|January 17, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Selective tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitors (tyrphostins) show promise for treating cancer by targeting enhanced protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity. Research highlights tyrphostins like STI 571, approved for leukemia, demonstrating anticancer potential.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Biochemistry
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Enhanced protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) activity is linked to cancer and proliferative diseases.
  • PTK inhibitors, specifically tyrphostins, are investigated for their anticancer therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review research on tyrphostin development, including their chemistry, kinetics, biological activity, and clinical potential.
  • To provide an overview of specific tyrphostins with demonstrated in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic synthesis of selective tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitors (tyrphostins).
  • Review of published research on various tyrphostins, including AG 957, AG 1112, AG 1318, AG 1478, RG 13022, AG 490, AG 1296, and STI 571.
  • Discussion of specific kinase inhibition profiles (EGFR, Jak-2, PDGFR).

Main Results:

  • Tyrphostins exhibit in vitro and in vivo anticancer activity.
  • STI 571 (imatinib) is approved for chronic myeloid leukemia and shows efficacy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
  • Specific tyrphostins target key kinases like EGFR, Jak-2, and PDGFR.

Conclusions:

  • Tyrphostins represent a valuable class of compounds for cancer therapy.
  • Further research into the chemistry, kinetics, and clinical application of tyrphostins is warranted.
  • Targeted PTK inhibition offers a promising strategy for managing proliferative diseases.

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