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Multimodal Bioluminescent and Positronic-emission Tomography/Computational Tomography Imaging of Multiple Myeloma Bone Marrow Xenografts in NOG Mice
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MEK inhibitors as a chemotherapeutic intervention in multiple myeloma

C Chang-Yew Leow1, S Gerondakis, A Spencer

  • 1Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases and Division of Blood Cancers, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.

Blood Cancer Journal
|March 26, 2013
PubMed

Insights

The Ras/Raf/MEK/extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) (Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK)) pathway is vital for cell functions but often dysregulated in multiple myeloma (MM). This review covers Ras/MAPK in MM and MEK inhibitors in clinical trials.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Signal Transduction

Background:

  • The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (MAPK) pathway regulates critical cellular processes like proliferation and survival.
  • Dysregulation of the Ras/MAPK pathway is implicated in numerous cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of the Ras/MAPK pathway's role in multiple myeloma.
  • To summarize the clinical status of MEK inhibitors for MM treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of Ras/MAPK pathway in MM.
  • Analysis of clinical trial data for MEK inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • The Ras/MAPK pathway is a significant contributor to MM pathogenesis.
  • Several MEK inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical evaluation for MM.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the Ras/MAPK pathway, particularly MEK, presents a promising therapeutic strategy for multiple myeloma.
  • Further research is needed to optimize the use of MEK inhibitors in MM treatment regimens.

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