Journal of Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis

Abstract

Inhibitors of Tyrosine Kinases (TKI) and Small Interfering RNAs (siRNA) are Promising Targeted Cancer Treatments

Haakon Skogseth, Kåre E. Tvedt and Jostein Halgunset

Background: In recent years, many investigators have focused on the development of drugs with the potential to influence the malignant phenotype. Clearly, our understanding of molecular and cellular processes behind such mechanisms has increased substantially through the past decades. This knowledge has led to an extensive search for targeted carcinoma treatment.
Methods: This review is based on a qualified selection of articles published in internationally recognized journals. Some considerations are also based on the authors’ own experience in clinical and molecular-targeted basic research.
Results: Inhibitors of tyrosine kinases (TKIs) and selective gene expressional regulators, small interfering RNAs, give hope for advances in the treatment of various carcinomas. However, it seems clear that the main challenge also in such therapy is the delivery, toxicity, uptake, and stability of small targeted molecules. These must be dealt with in order to unleash the potential of individual therapy.
Conclusion: Development of TKIs and siRNAs, with effects better than or at least similar to conventional therapy must be given high priority. Tolerable side effects are also critical to successful implementation. Only through such efforts may such treatment be fully developed and find its place in the treatment of malignant tumours, solely, as primary choice, or in combination with conventional cancer therapy.