PIM Kinases in Multiple Myeloma
Jian Wu1, Emily Chu1, Yubin Kang1
1Division of Hematologic Malignancies and Cellular Therapy, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Abstract:
Multiple myeloma (MM) remains an incurable disease and novel therapeutic agents/approaches are urgently needed. The PIM (Proviral insertion in murine malignancies) serine/threonine kinases have 3 isoforms: PIM1, PIM2, and PIM3. PIM kinases are engaged with an expansive scope of biological activities including cell growth, apoptosis, drug resistance, and immune response. An assortment of molecules and pathways that are critical to myeloma tumorigenesis has been recognized as the downstream targets of PIM kinases. The inhibition of PIM kinases has become an emerging scientific interest for the treatment of multiple myeloma and several PIM kinase inhibitors, such as SGI-1776, AZD1208, and PIM447 (formerly LGH447), have been developed and are under different phases of clinical trials. Current research has been focused on the development of a new generation of potent PIM kinase inhibitors with appropriate pharmacological profiles reasonable for human malignancy treatment. Combination therapy of PIM kinase inhibitors with chemotherapeutic appears to create an additive cytotoxic impact in cancer cells. Notwithstanding, the mechanisms by which PIM kinases modulate the immune microenvironment and synergize with the immunomodulatory agents such as lenalidomide have not been deliberately depicted. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the PIM kinase pathways and the current research status of the development of PIM kinase inhibitors for the treatment of MM. Additionally, the combinatorial effects of the PIM kinase inhibitors with other targeted agents and the promising strategies to exploit PIM as a therapeutic target in malignancy are highlighted.
Insights
PIM kinases are crucial in multiple myeloma (MM). Inhibitors targeting these kinases show promise for treating MM, with ongoing research exploring combination therapies and immune system modulation for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable cancer requiring novel therapies.
- PIM kinases (PIM1, PIM2, PIM3) regulate key cancer processes like growth, apoptosis, and drug resistance.
- PIM kinases are implicated in myeloma tumorigenesis, making them therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review PIM kinase pathways and their role in MM.
- To summarize the development status of PIM kinase inhibitors for MM treatment.
- To highlight combinatorial strategies and future therapeutic potential.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PIM kinase pathways and inhibitors.
- Analysis of current clinical trial data for PIM kinase inhibitors.
- Exploration of PIM kinase interactions with other therapeutic agents.
Main Results:
- Several PIM kinase inhibitors are in clinical trials for MM.
- PIM kinase inhibition demonstrates potential for MM treatment.
- Combination therapies with PIM inhibitors may enhance cytotoxic effects.
Conclusions:
- PIM kinase inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for MM.
- Further research is needed to elucidate PIM kinase roles in the immune microenvironment and synergy with immunomodulatory drugs.
- Exploiting PIM kinases offers novel avenues for MM treatment.
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