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Updated: Aug 14, 2026

Development of Inhibitors of Protein-protein Interactions through REPLACE: Application to the Design and Development Non-ATP Competitive CDK Inhibitors
10:33

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Published on: October 26, 2015

CDK inhibitors in clinical development for the treatment of cancer

Peter M Fischer1, Athos Gianella-Borradori

  • 1Cyclacel Limited, James Lindsay Place, Dundee DD1 5JJ, Scotland, UK. pfischer@cyclacel.com

Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs
|June 5, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Pharmacological inhibition of cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) offers a promising strategy for cancer therapy. While many CDK inhibitors show potential, few have advanced to clinical trials, necessitating further investigation into their efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cyclin-dependent protein kinases (CDKs) are crucial regulators of the cell division cycle.
  • Deregulation of CDKs is implicated in the majority of human cancers.
  • Targeting CDKs offers a mechanism-based, non-genotoxic approach to cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize preclinical and clinical findings of CDK inhibitors.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of flavopiridol, 7-hydroxystaurosporine, and roscovitine.
  • To explore the use of CDK inhibitors in monotherapy and combination treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical data for selected CDK inhibitors.
  • Analysis of available clinical trial results for flavopiridol, 7-hydroxystaurosporine, and roscovitine.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies involving CDK inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Development of numerous potential CDK inhibitor drug candidates.
  • Limited progression of these agents into clinical evaluation.
  • Summary of data for flavopiridol, 7-hydroxystaurosporine, and roscovitine.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacological CDK inhibition is a viable strategy for cancer therapy.
  • Further clinical evaluation is needed for most CDK inhibitors.
  • Combination therapies involving CDK inhibitors may enhance treatment outcomes.

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