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AXL kinase as a novel target for cancer therapy

Xiaoliang Wu1, Xuewen Liu2, Sanjay Koul3

  • 1Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.

Oncotarget
|October 23, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) and its ligand GAS6 are overexpressed in many cancers, promoting metastasis and drug resistance. Targeting the AXL/GAS6 axis offers a promising therapeutic strategy for improving cancer treatment efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • AXL receptor tyrosine kinase and its ligand GAS6 are frequently overexpressed and activated in various human cancers.
  • This overexpression is linked to poor prognosis, increased invasiveness, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and drug resistance.
  • AXL signaling plays a critical role in cancer progression and therapeutic challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence supporting AXL as a novel cancer treatment target.
  • To summarize the current status of drug development targeting the AXL/GAS6 axis.
  • To discuss future perspectives for targeting AXL in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing scientific literature and preclinical/clinical data.
  • Analysis of studies investigating small molecule kinase inhibitors and antibodies against AXL.
  • Evaluation of combination therapies involving AXL inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • Targeting AXL with inhibitors or antibodies can inactivate AXL-mediated signaling pathways.
  • Inactivation of AXL signaling can restore sensitivity to drugs and improve therapeutic outcomes.
  • AXL inhibition demonstrates potential in various cancer models, including lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions:

  • The AXL/GAS6 axis represents a significant therapeutic target in oncology.
  • Drug development targeting AXL is advancing, showing promise for improved cancer treatment.
  • Targeting AXL offers a novel strategy to overcome drug resistance and enhance patient outcomes.

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