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The Receptor Tyrosine Kinase AXL in Cancer Progression

Erinn B Rankin1,2, Amato J Giaccia3

  • 1Division of Radiation and Cancer Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94305, USA. erankin@stanford.edu.

Cancers
|November 12, 2016
PubMed

Insights

The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) drives cancer growth, spread, and treatment resistance. Inhibiting AXL shows promise for new cancer therapies by targeting tumor progression and the tumor microenvironment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Signaling Pathways

Background:

  • The AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL) is implicated in key cancer hallmarks including proliferation, survival, stemness, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance.
  • AXL signaling within the tumor microenvironment promotes immunosuppression and protumorigenic effects, highlighting its multifaceted role in cancer progression.

Approach:

  • This review synthesizes current literature on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AXL signaling in cancer.
  • We examine the preclinical efficacy of various AXL inhibitors and their therapeutic potential.

Key Points:

  • AXL signaling is a critical driver of tumor progression and resistance to therapy.
  • AXL's role extends to the tumor microenvironment, influencing immune suppression.
  • AXL inhibitors have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical cancer models.

Conclusions:

  • AXL represents a significant therapeutic target for various cancers.
  • Targeting AXL offers a promising strategy for preventing and treating advanced cancer.
  • Further development of AXL inhibitors could lead to novel cancer treatment paradigms.
Keywords:
AXLGAS6cancer stem cell phenotypedecoy receptorimmune suppressionmetastasisproliferationresistancesmall moleculetherapy

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