Src and Abl as Therapeutic Targets in Lung Cancer: Opportunities for Drug Repurposing

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Personalized medicine and targeted therapies are crucial in cancer treatment.
• Drug repurposing is an efficient strategy, leveraging existing approved drugs for new indications.
• Src and Abl tyrosine kinases are key players in tumor development, proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review five tyrosine kinase inhibitors (saracatinib, imatinib, PP2, nilotinib, tirbanibulin) targeting Src and/or Abl.
• To discuss their mechanisms of action, original indications, and repurposing potential, particularly in lung cancer.
• To highlight the therapeutic promise of these inhibitors in heterogeneous diseases like lung cancer within personalized medicine.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of existing preclinical and clinical studies.
• Analysis of the molecular targets (Src and Abl tyrosine kinases) of selected inhibitors.
• Evaluation of drug repurposing potential based on efficacy and safety data.

Main Results:

• Five tyrosine kinase inhibitors (saracatinib, imatinib, PP2, nilotinib, tirbanibulin) targeting Src and/or Abl were identified.
• These inhibitors show potential for repurposing beyond their original indications.
• Preclinical and clinical data suggest promising therapeutic roles in specific lung cancer subtypes.

Conclusions:

• Src and Abl inhibitors possess significant therapeutic potential beyond their initial uses.
• These drugs may play a role in future lung cancer therapy, especially within personalized medicine approaches.
• Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the efficacy and safety of these repurposed drugs in lung cancer.