AXL as a Target in Breast Cancer Therapy
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Published on: July 25, 2020
1Department of Biology, University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI 54601, USA.
Abstract:
AXL is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has been implicated in diverse tumor-promoting processes such as proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, and apoptosis. AXL therefore plays a role in cancer progression, and AXL has been implicated in a wide variety of malignancies from solid tumors to hematopoietic cancers where it is often associated with poor prognosis. In cancer, AXL has been shown to promote epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis formation, drug resistance, and a role for AXL in modulation of the tumor microenvironment and immune response has been identified. In light of these activities multiple AXL inhibitors have been developed, and several of these have entered clinical trials in the U.S. In breast cancer, high levels of AXL expression have been observed. The role of AXL in cancer with a focus on therapeutic implications for breast cancer is discussed.
Insights
AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) drives cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Targeting AXL shows promise for treating various cancers, particularly breast cancer, with inhibitors in clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is involved in tumor progression, including proliferation, migration, invasion, survival, and apoptosis.
- AXL is linked to poor prognosis in various malignancies, from solid tumors to hematopoietic cancers.
- AXL promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and drug resistance in cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the role of AXL in cancer progression.
- To highlight the therapeutic implications of targeting AXL, with a specific focus on breast cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and analysis of AXL's role in cancer.
- Examination of AXL's involvement in tumor microenvironment and immune response modulation.
- Review of AXL inhibitors and their clinical trial status.
Main Results:
- AXL expression is elevated in breast cancer.
- AXL contributes to tumor-promoting processes and is associated with poor patient outcomes.
- Multiple AXL inhibitors are under development and in clinical trials.
Conclusions:
- AXL is a significant driver of cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.
- Targeting AXL represents a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers, especially breast cancer.
- Further research into AXL inhibitors is warranted for clinical application.
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