Targeted Cancer Therapy: Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Cancers generally contain multiple genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, but several key genes maintain the malignant phenotype and cellular survival. Tyrosine kinases are often involved in the cellular response with growth factors, cytokines, and hormones. These molecules are responsible for tumor growth by various mechanisms. It is thought that tyrosine kinase inhibitors may have a wide range of therapeutic efficacy. Significant response rates could not be obtained in phase 1 studies with any of the agents in monotherapy, and other options are being investigated by administering high doses in short periods and combining drugs that may affect different pathways.