Therapeutic Targeting of the Gas6/Axl Signaling Pathway in Cancer

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment exhibit dysregulated signaling pathways, including receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs).
• Aberrant RTK pathways contribute to cancer development, progression, and metastasis.
• Axl, an RTK in the TAM subfamily, binds to growth arrest specific 6 (Gas6), promoting cancer progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current therapeutic strategies targeting the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway in cancer.
• To discuss Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents evaluated in preclinical and clinical settings.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of preclinical and clinical studies on Gas6/Axl pathway inhibitors.
• Analysis of therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl in various cancer types.

Main Results:

• The Gas6/Axl pathway is implicated in promoting cancer progression, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to therapy.
• Therapeutic agents targeting Gas6 and Axl have shown promising results in both preclinical and clinical investigations.
• Combination therapy involving Gas6/Axl inhibitors demonstrates potential efficacy.

Conclusions:

• Targeting the Gas6/Axl pathway represents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
• Ongoing development and evaluation of Gas6- and Axl-targeting agents are crucial for advancing cancer therapy.