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Integrins in cancer: biological implications and therapeutic opportunities

Jay S Desgrosellier1, David A Cheresh

  • 1Department of Pathology, Moores University of California at San Diego Cancer Center, La Jolla, 92093-0803, United States.

Nature Reviews. Cancer
|December 24, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Integrin antagonists show promise in cancer therapy by targeting cell adhesion receptors. Further research is needed to understand their effects on tumors and the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Integrins are cell adhesion receptors regulating cellular functions vital for tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
  • Their critical role in tumor progression makes integrins attractive targets for cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the influence of integrin antagonists on tumors and their microenvironment.
  • To understand the therapeutic potential of targeting integrins in solid tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical trial data for integrin antagonists.
  • Analysis of preclinical studies on integrin-mediated tumor progression.

Main Results:

  • Integrin antagonists, such as cilengitide (an alphavbeta3 and alphavbeta5 inhibitor), have demonstrated encouraging activity in Phase II clinical trials.
  • Cilengitide is currently undergoing Phase III trials for glioblastoma treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Integrin antagonists represent a promising therapeutic strategy in oncology.
  • Further investigation into the mechanisms by which these antagonists affect the tumor and its microenvironment is warranted.

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