Alpha-v integrins as therapeutic targets in oncology

Cancer Invest. 2007 Oct;25(7):632-46. doi: 10.1080/07357900701522638.

Abstract

Integrins are heterodimeric cell adhesion receptors that mediate intercellular communication through cell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-cell interactions. Integrins have been demonstrated to play a direct role in cancer progression, specifically in tumor cell survival, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therefore, agents targeted against integrin function have potential as effective anticancer therapies. Numerous anti-integrin agents, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors, are in clinical development for the treatment of solid and hematologic tumors. This review focuses on the role of alpha(v) integrins in cancer progression, the current status of integrin-targeted agents in development, and strategies for the clinical development of anti-integrin therapies.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Bone Remodeling / drug effects
  • Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic
  • Humans
  • Integrin alphaV / chemistry
  • Integrin alphaV / physiology*
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Integrin alphaV