Therapeutic potential of directed tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in sarcomas.
BACKGROUND
Sarcomas are rare mesenchymally derived tumors for which there are limited treatment options. This paper discusses the current therapeutic potential of directed tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in sarcoma.


METHODS
The authors review antibody-based strategies and small molecular inhibitors of TKIs, with specific emphasis placed on the potential use of these targeted agents as therapeutic options for the treatment of sarcomas that are not gastrointestinal stromal tumors.


RESULTS
Many TKs have been shown to be mutated or overexpressed in human sarcoma tumors and cell lines and may serve as potential targets for promising new sarcoma therapies. Furthermore, the novel mechanism of targeting TKs may complement the antitumor activity of existing sarcoma treatment options.


CONCLUSIONS
TKIs such as imatinib, sunitinib, and sorefanib are promising new therapeutic options for the management of patients with soft tissue sarcoma.
Shor
Audrey C
AC
Sarcoma Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA. audrey.shor@moffitt.org
Agresta
Samuel V
SV
D'Amato
Gina Z
GZ
Sondak
Vernon K
VK
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D012509:Sarcoma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000201:enzymology*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases