Src inhibitors in lung cancer: current status and future directions

Src tyrosine kinases regulate multiple genetic and signaling pathways involved in the proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, invasion, and migration of various types of cancer cells They are frequently expressed and activated in many cancer types, including lung cancer. Several Src inhibitors, including dasatinib, saracatinib, bosutinib, and KX2-391, are currently being investigated in clinical trials. Preliminary results of the use of single-agent Src inhibitors in unselected patients with lung cancer show that these inhibitors have a favorable safety profile and anticancer activity. Their combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy, other targeted therapy, and radiation therapy is currently being explored. In this review, we summarize the rationale for and the current status of Src inhibitor development and discuss future directions based on emerging preclinical data.