Targeting focal adhesion kinase in neuroblastoma

Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor encountered in children, and continues to carry a dismal prognosis. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) has been shown to be upregulated in a number of human tumors and is related to tumor virulence and patient prognosis. We have demonstrated FAK expression in human neuroblastoma cell lines and tumors, and have shown that FAK is important for neuroblastoma tumor cell viability. We have also demonstrated that FAK inhibition through a number of different methods results in decreased neuroblastoma survival both in vitro and in vivo. The current review addresses the merit of further exploring FAK inhibition as a novel treatment for neuroblastoma.