ONCOGENIC MUTATIONS OF TYROSINE KINASES IN HUMAN MALIGNANCIES
edited by Hsing-Jien Kung (University of California Davis, USA)
&
Clifford G Tepper (University of California Davis, USA)
Protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) represent a major class of oncogenes and figure prominently as etiologic and/or progression factors in most types of cancer. Accordingly, they have become attractive therapeutic targets. The oncogenicity of these molecules is underscored by the ability of variant PTKs to dominantly drive tumorigenesis. This book highlights the most commonly occurring TK mutations associated with human neoplasms. Each chapter presents a detailed examination of the molecular pathogenic mechanisms engendered by these mutations, including aberrant triggering of signaling pathways and their manifestation as aggressive biological behavior. Diagrams depicting the relevant pathways are included in each chapter to enhance and reinforce the principal concepts. Additionally, highly specific antibody-based and small molecule PTK inhibitors are the prototypical members of a novel class of rationally-targeted cancer therapeutic agents that have demonstrated much promise. The success of these therapeutics and mechanisms underlying the development of cellular resistance are also discussed.
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