scholarly journals Targeting Aggressive Pituitary Adenomas at the Molecular Level—A Review

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Benjamin Voellger ◽  
Zhuo Zhang ◽  
Julia Benzel ◽  
Junwen Wang ◽  
Ting Lei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Pituitary Adenomas ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Immune Checkpoints ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Endocrine Tumors ◽  
Number Of Treatment

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are mostly benign endocrine tumors that can be treated by resection or medication. However, up to 10% of PAs show an aggressive behavior with invasion of adjacent tissue, rapid proliferation, or recurrence. Here, we provide an overview of target structures in aggressive PAs and summarize current clinical trials including, but not limited to, PAs. Mainly, drug targets in PAs are based on general features of tumor cells such as immune checkpoints, so that programmed cell death 1 (ligand 1) (PD-1/PD-L1) targeting may bear potential to cure aggressive PAs. In addition, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and their downstream pathways are triggered in PAs, thereby modulating tumor cell proliferation, migration and/or tumor angiogenesis. Temozolomide (TMZ) can be an effective treatment of aggressive PAs. Combination of TMZ with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) or with radiotherapy could strengthen the therapeutic effects as compared to TMZ alone. Dopamine agonists (DAs) are the first line treatment for prolactinomas. Dopamine receptors are also expressed in other subtypes of PAs which renders Das potentially suitable to treat other subtypes of PAs. Furthermore, targeting the invasive behavior of PAs could improve therapy. In this regard, human matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family members and estrogens receptors (ERs) are highly expressed in aggressive PAs, and numerous studies demonstrated the role of these proteins to modulate invasiveness of PAs. This leaves a number of treatment options for aggressive PAs as reviewed here.

scholarly journals Protein Tyrosine Kinases: Their Roles and Their Targeting in Leukemia

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 184
Author(s):  
Kalpana K. Bhanumathy ◽  
Amrutha Balagopal ◽  
Frederick S. Vizeacoumar ◽  
Franco J. Vizeacoumar ◽  
Andrew Freywald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Tyrosine Kinase ◽  
Protein Kinases ◽  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Tyrosine Protein Kinase ◽  
Mesenchymal Epithelial Transition Factor ◽  
The Impact

Protein kinases constitute a large group of enzymes catalysing protein phosphorylation and controlling multiple signalling events. The human protein kinase superfamily consists of 518 members and represents a complicated system with intricate internal and external interactions. Protein kinases are classified into two main families based on the ability to phosphorylate either tyrosine or serine and threonine residues. Among the 90 tyrosine kinase genes, 58 are receptor types classified into 20 groups and 32 are of the nonreceptor types distributed into 10 groups. Tyrosine kinases execute their biological functions by controlling a variety of cellular responses, such as cell division, metabolism, migration, cell–cell and cell matrix adhesion, cell survival and apoptosis. Over the last 30 years, a major focus of research has been directed towards cancer-associated tyrosine kinases owing to their critical contributions to the development and aggressiveness of human malignancies through the pathological effects on cell behaviour. Leukaemia represents a heterogeneous group of haematological malignancies, characterised by an uncontrolled proliferation of undifferentiated hematopoietic cells or leukaemia blasts, mostly derived from bone marrow. They are usually classified as chronic or acute, depending on the rates of their progression, as well as myeloid or lymphoblastic, according to the type of blood cells involved. Overall, these malignancies are relatively common amongst both children and adults. In malignant haematopoiesis, multiple tyrosine kinases of both receptor and nonreceptor types, including AXL receptor tyrosine kinase (AXL), Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1), Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), Mesenchymal–epithelial transition factor (MET), proto-oncogene c-Src (SRC), Spleen tyrosine kinase (SYK) and pro-oncogenic Abelson tyrosine-protein kinase 1 (ABL1) mutants, are implicated in the pathogenesis and drug resistance of practically all types of leukaemia. The role of ABL1 kinase mutants and their therapeutic inhibitors have been extensively analysed in scientific literature, and therefore, in this review, we provide insights into the impact and mechanism of action of other tyrosine kinases involved in the development and progression of human leukaemia and discuss the currently available and emerging treatment options based on targeting these molecules.

scholarly journals Advances in targeted therapy for esophageal cancer

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yan-Ming Yang ◽  
Pan Hong ◽  
Wen Wen Xu ◽  
Qing-Yu He ◽  
Bin Li
Keyword(s):  
Esophageal Cancer ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor ◽  
Targeted Therapies ◽  
Treatment Strategies ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Immune Checkpoints ◽  
Her 2 ◽  
Epidermal Growth

Abstract Esophageal cancer (EC) is one of the most lethal cancers in the world, and its morbidity and mortality rates rank among the top ten in China. Currently, surgical resection, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the primary clinical treatments for esophageal cancer. However, outcomes are still unsatisfactory due to the limited efficacy and severe adverse effects of conventional treatments. As a new type of approach, targeted therapies have been confirmed to play an important role in the treatment of esophageal cancer; these include cetuximab and bevacizumab, which target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), respectively. In addition, other drugs targeting surface antigens and signaling pathways or acting on immune checkpoints have been continuously developed. For example, trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2), has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a first-line treatment of HER-2-positive cancer. Moreover, the PD-L1 inhibitor pembrolizumab has been approved as a highly efficient drug for patients with PD-L1-positive or advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). These novel drugs can be used alone or in combination with other treatment strategies to further improve the treatment efficacy and prognosis of cancer patients. Nevertheless, adverse events, optimal dosages and effective combinations still need further investigation. In this review, we expound an outline of the latest advances in targeted therapies of esophageal cancer and the mechanisms of relevant drugs, discuss their efficacy and safety, and provide a clinical rationale for precision medicine in esophageal cancer.

scholarly journals Current Approaches and Emerging Directions in HER2-resistant Breast Cancer

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. BCBCR.S9453 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adam M. Brufsky
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Her2 Overexpression ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Intrinsic Resistance ◽  
Her2 Positive

Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) is overexpressed in up to 30% of breast cancers; HER2 overexpression is indicative of poor prognosis. Trastuzumab, an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody, has led to improved outcomes in patients with HER2-positive breast cancer, including improved overall survival in adjuvant and first-line settings. However, a large proportion of patients with breast cancer have intrinsic resistance to HER2-targeted therapies, and nearly all become resistant to therapy after initial response. Elucidation of underlying mechanisms contributing to HER2 resistance has led to development of novel therapeutic strategies, including those targeting HER2 and downstream pathways, heat shock protein 90, telomerase, and vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors. Numerous clinical trials are ongoing or completed, including phase 3 data for the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus in patients with HER2-resistant breast cancer. This review considers the molecular mechanisms associated with HER2 resistance and evaluates the evidence for use of evolving strategies in patients with HER2-resistant breast cancer.

scholarly journals Exploring the Gamut of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases for Their Promise in the Management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 1776
Author(s):  
Sayali Bhave ◽  
Han Kiat Ho
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Fatty Liver Disease ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Fibroblast Growth ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Recently, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a predominant health concern affecting approximately a quarter of the world’s population. NAFLD is a spectrum of liver ailments arising from nascent lipid accumulation and leading to inflammation, fibrosis or even carcinogenesis. Despite its prevalence and severity, no targeted pharmacological intervention is approved to date. Thus, it is imperative to identify suitable drug targets critical to the development and progression of NAFLD. In this quest, a ray of hope is nestled within a group of proteins, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), as targets to contain or even reverse NAFLD. RTKs control numerous vital biological processes and their selective expression and activity in specific diseases have rendered them useful as drug targets. In this review, we discuss the recent advancements in characterizing the role of RTKs in NAFLD progression and qualify their suitability as pharmacological targets. Available data suggests inhibition of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, AXL, Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 4 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor, and activation of cellular mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor and Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 could pave the way for novel NAFLD therapeutics. Thus, it is important to characterize these RTKs for target validation and proof-of-concept through clinical trials.

scholarly journals Safety of Aflibercept in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Literature Review and Expert Perspective on Clinical and Real-World Data

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kei Muro ◽  
Taylor Salinardi ◽  
Arvind Rup Singh ◽  
Teresa Macarulla
Keyword(s):  
Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Metastatic Colorectal Cancer ◽  
Real World ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
Tolerability Profile ◽  
Real World Data ◽  
Asian Populations ◽  
Vegf Inhibitor

Background: Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) represents a substantial health burden globally and an increasing challenge in Asian countries. Treatment options include chemotherapy plus a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor (such as bevacizumab, aflibercept or ramucirumab), or anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies. Aflibercept, a recombinant fusion protein, has been approved for treatment of mCRC in combination with FOLFIRI for patients whose disease progresses during or after treatment with an oxaliplatin-containing regimen, based on its efficacy and tolerability profile in clinical trials. This report aims to provide an overview of both clinical and real-world evidence and experience on the use of aflibercept in routine clinical practice, with a focus on European, American and Asian populations. Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed (on 28th February 2019) using the search terms ("aflibercept") and ("Colorectal"OR"CRC") to identify publications containing information on aflibercept-containing regimens. Results: The adverse events (AE) profile was similar between geographical locations. Across trials, real-world and retrospective studies, grade ≥ 3 hypertension and proteinuria were amongst the most frequently reported AEs. Conclusions: The safety profile of aflibercept is generally manageable and comparable across various geographic locations.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document