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PDGF receptors as targets in tumor treatment

Arne Ostman1, Carl-Henrik Heldin

  • 1Department of Pathology-Oncology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, R8:03, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.

Advances in Cancer Research
|April 11, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor signaling is crucial in cancer. Inhibiting PDGF receptors in tumors and stromal cells shows promise as a cancer therapy, impacting tumor growth and drug delivery.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor signaling is implicated in various tumor-associated processes.
  • PDGF receptors are validated cancer drug targets in both malignant and stromal cells.
  • Mutational activation of PDGF receptor signaling occurs in rare malignancies like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, GISTs, and some hematologic cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the multifaceted roles of PDGF receptors in cancer.
  • To highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting PDGF receptors in oncology.
  • To discuss the implications of PDGF receptor signaling in tumor microenvironment and metastasis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of preclinical and clinical studies on PDGF receptor signaling in cancer.
  • Analysis of the efficacy of multikinase inhibitors targeting PDGF receptors.
  • Examination of the role of PDGF receptors in pericytes and stromal cells.

Main Results:

  • PDGF receptor inhibition is a clinically relevant strategy, with multikinase inhibitors like sunitinib and sorafenib showing efficacy likely through targeting pericytes.
  • Targeting stromal PDGF receptors may enhance tumor drug uptake.
  • PDGF receptors exhibit both pro- and antimetastatic effects, depending on cell type and context.

Conclusions:

  • PDGF receptor signaling is a dynamic area in cancer research with significant therapeutic implications.
  • Targeting PDGF receptors offers a promising avenue for cancer treatment, potentially improving drug delivery and affecting metastasis.
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration is essential to further elucidate and exploit the role of PDGF receptors in cancer therapy.

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