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AXL in cancer: a modulator of drug resistance and therapeutic target

Yaoxiang Tang1, Hongjing Zang1, Qiuyuan Wen2

  • 1Department of Pathology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China.

Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research : CR
|June 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) plays a key role in cancer progression and drug resistance. Targeting AXL offers a promising strategy for developing novel anti-cancer therapies to overcome treatment tolerance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Abnormal expression of AXL, a member of the TAM receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family, is associated with poor cancer prognosis.
  • AXL is increasingly recognized for its involvement in cancer development, progression, and the emergence of drug resistance.
  • Evidence suggests that inhibiting AXL can reduce cancer cell drug resistance, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the structure, regulation, and expression patterns of AXL, particularly in drug-resistant cancers.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms by which AXL contributes to cancer drug resistance.
  • To discuss the therapeutic potential of AXL inhibitors in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on AXL in cancer.
  • Analysis of AXL's role in mediating drug resistance mechanisms.
  • Evaluation of preclinical and clinical data on AXL inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • AXL's abnormal expression correlates with adverse clinicopathological features and poor prognosis in cancer patients.
  • AXL actively mediates various functions that promote cancer drug resistance and treatment tolerance.
  • Reducing AXL expression demonstrates efficacy in weakening cancer cell resistance to therapeutic agents.

Conclusions:

  • AXL is a critical factor in cancer progression and drug resistance.
  • Targeting AXL with inhibitors presents a viable therapeutic strategy for overcoming anti-cancer drug resistance.
  • Further research into AXL inhibitors is warranted for effective cancer treatment development.
Keywords:
AXLCancerDrug resistanceMolecular mechanismsTarget therapy

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