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Src and focal adhesion kinase as therapeutic targets in cancer

Valerie G Brunton1, Margaret C Frame

  • 1Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, Division of Cancer Biology, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, United Kingdom. v.brunton@ed.ac.uk

Current Opinion in Pharmacology
|July 16, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Small molecule inhibitors targeting Src family kinases and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) are now in clinical trials for solid tumors. Further research is needed to optimize their use in cancer treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Small molecule inhibitors targeting Src family kinases and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) have advanced to clinical trials for solid tumor treatment.
  • These kinases are crucial in cellular adhesion pathways, influencing tumor cell behavior.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical progress of small molecule inhibitors for Src family kinases and FAK in solid tumors.
  • To address the challenges in advancing these targeted therapies in clinical settings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current clinical studies and literature.
  • Analysis of the role of adhesion-linked kinases in tumor progression.

Main Results:

  • Src family kinases and FAK inhibitors have entered clinical evaluation for solid tumors.
  • Understanding the pathways regulated by these kinases is key to their therapeutic application.

Conclusions:

  • Targeted inhibition of Src family kinases and FAK represents a promising therapeutic strategy for solid tumors.
  • Optimizing the clinical application of these inhibitors is an ongoing challenge requiring further investigation.

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