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Basic concepts of cancer genetics and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibition for pharmacists. A narrative review

Kathleen B Orrico1

  • 1University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy, Palo Alto, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.

Journal of Oncology Pharmacy Practice : Official Publication of the International Society of Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners
|February 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

This review explains basic genetic concepts in oncogenesis and how receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibition targets cancer. Understanding gene variations and RTK pathways is crucial for effective, personalized cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Oncogenesis involves complex genetic events.
  • Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are key signaling molecules in cancer development.
  • Genetic variations in RTKs drive cancer progression and treatment resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review fundamental genetic concepts relevant to oncogenesis.
  • To elucidate the role of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) inhibition in targeted cancer therapy.
  • To connect gene variation, oncogenic processes, and targeted treatment strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of genetic concepts in oncogenesis.
  • Analysis of RTK signaling pathways and their alterations.
  • Discussion of molecular diagnostic testing for guiding therapy.

Main Results:

  • Genetic alterations like mutations, rearrangements, and amplifications in RTKs contribute to oncogenesis.
  • RTK pharmacogenes link genetic variation to cancer development and targeted treatments.
  • Biochemical pathways affected by RTK variation are critical in cancer.

Conclusions:

  • Molecular diagnostics identify specific gene variants to guide targeted therapies, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies.
  • Pharmacists require a strong understanding of genetic principles underlying targeted cancer therapies.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of cancer is essential for optimizing patient treatment and outcomes.
Keywords:
Receptor tyrosine kinasecancermolecular diagnosticspharmacogenomicstyrosine kinase inhibitors

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