Current status of SRC inhibitors in solid tumor malignancies

Src is believed to play an important role in cancer, and several agents targeting Src are in clinical development.

We reviewed Src structure and function and preclinical data supporting its role in the development of cancer via a PubMed search. We conducted an extensive review of Src inhibitors by searching abstracts from major oncology meeting databases in the last 3 years and by comprehensively reviewing ongoing clinical trials on ClinicalTrials.gov.

In this manuscript, we briefly review Src structure and function, mechanisms involving Src that lead to the development of cancer, and Src inhibitors and key preclinical data establishing a rationale for clinical application. We then focus on clinical data supporting their use in solid tumor malignancies, a newer arena than their more well-established hematologic applications. Particularly highlighted are clinical trials investigating new biomarkers as well as ongoing studies assessing Src inhibitor activity in biomarker-selected patient populations. We also review newer investigational Src-targeting agents.

Src inhibitors have shown little activity in monotherapy trials in unselected solid tumor patient populations. Combination studies and biomarker-driven clinical trials are under way.