Protein kinase inhibitors as a therapeutic modality

Acc Chem Res. 2003 Jun;36(6):462-9. doi: 10.1021/ar0201207.

Abstract

Most of the signal transduction pathways are mediated by protein kinases regulating every aspect of cell function. Mutations which deregulate their expression or their function or both result in cancers. Therefore, protein kinase inhibitors has become the focus of development of new therapies for cancer. Almost all 120 protein tyrosine kinases are involved in signaling, whereas only a handful of Ser/Thr kinases are involved. Thus, most of the effort is directed toward the development of tyrosine phosphorylation inhibitors. The success of Gleevec in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia and of Iressa for lung cancer validates the approach.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Benzamides
  • Drug Design
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Molecular Mimicry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Piperazines / pharmacology
  • Piperazines / therapeutic use
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors*
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Pyrimidines / pharmacology
  • Pyrimidines / therapeutic use
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Benzamides
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Piperazines
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Pyrimidines
  • Imatinib Mesylate
  • Protein Kinases