title: Recent advances in the research and development of RAF kinase inhibitors.
abstract: The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway (ERK pathway) plays a key role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. Mutations of RAS or B-RAF lead to a constitutive activation of the ERK pathway, which ultimately results in increased cell division, and cell survival. This review article focuses on the recent literature related to ERK pathway inhibitors, with a particular emphasis on RAF kinase inhibitors. Preclinical and clinical data for the RAF kinase inhibitor sorafenib (BAY 43-9006 tosylate), that was recently approved in the US for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma, are also outlined.
authors.affiliation: Bayer Research Center, Bayer Pharmaceuticals Corporation, West Haven, CT 06516, USA. roger.smith.b@bayer.com
authors.forename: Roger A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Smith
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dumas
authors.forename: Lila
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Adnane
authors.forename: Scott M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015195:Drug Design; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D015394:Molecular Structure; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology; D048490:raf Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D048490:raf Kinases