Targeting tropomyosin receptor kinase for cancer therapy

Abstract

NTRKs and their expression product tropomyosin receptor kinases (Trks) are widely distributed in mammals. While neural growth factor (NGF)-induced normal Trk activation plays a key role in nerve growth, NTRK alternations occurring in tumor cells were highly correlated to tumor progression and invasion. Recent clinical data from several pan-Trk inhibitors have demonstrated potential and broad applications in various cancers. This intrigues us to summarize the development of inhibitors targeting Trks with different mechanisms of action and their applications in cancer therapy. We believe that this perspective would be of great help in investigating novel anticancer drugs with better therapeutic index.

Keywords: Gene alterations; Neoplasm; Receptor kinase inhibitor; Tropomyosin receptor kinase.