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Assessment of Resistance to Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors by an Interrogation of Signal Transduction Pathways by Antibody Arrays
Published on: September 19, 2018
Receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors in cancer
Nasim Ebrahimi1, Elmira Fardi2, Hajarossadat Ghaderi3
1Genetics Division, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract:
Targeted therapy is a new cancer treatment approach, involving drugs that particularly target specific proteins in cancer cells, such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) which are involved in promoting growth and proliferation, Therefore inhibiting these proteins could impede cancer progression. An understanding of RTKs and the relevant signaling cascades, has enabled the development of many targeted drug therapies employing RTK inhibitors (RTKIs) some of which have entered clinical application. Here we discuss RTK structures, activation mechanisms and functions. Moreover, we cover the potential effects of combination drug therapy (including chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents with one RTKI or multiple RTKIs) especially for drug resistant cancers.
Insights
Targeted therapy uses drugs to inhibit specific proteins like receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) in cancer cells, slowing tumor growth. Combination therapies show promise for overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Targeted therapy represents a novel approach in cancer treatment.
- Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are key proteins involved in cancer cell growth and proliferation.
- RTK inhibitors (RTKIs) have been developed and some are in clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the structures, activation mechanisms, and functions of RTKs.
- To explore the potential of combination drug therapy involving RTKIs for cancer treatment, particularly for drug-resistant cancers.
Main Methods:
- Review of RTK structures, activation mechanisms, and functions.
- Discussion of combination drug therapy strategies, including RTKIs with chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents.
Main Results:
- Inhibiting RTKs can impede cancer progression.
- Combination therapies may offer enhanced efficacy, especially in drug-resistant cases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding RTKs is crucial for developing effective targeted therapies.
- Combination drug strategies hold significant potential for improving outcomes in cancer patients, especially those with resistance to conventional treatments.
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