title: Targeting RAS-ERK signalling in cancer: promises and challenges.
abstract: The RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signalling pathway is hyperactivated in a high percentage of tumours, most frequently owing to activating mutations of the KRAS, NRAS and BRAF genes. Recently, the use of compounds targeting components of ERK signalling, such as RAF or MEK inhibitors, has led to substantial improvement in clinical outcome in metastatic melanoma and has shown promising clinical activity in additional tumour types. However, response rates are highly variable and the efficacy of these drugs is primarily limited by the development of resistance. Both intrinsic and acquired resistance to RAF and MEK inhibitors are frequently associated with the persistence of ERK signalling in the presence of the drug, implying the need for more innovative approaches to target the pathway.
authors.affiliation: TheraMet Biosciences, 6 Jacob Drive, Princeton Junction, New Jersey 08550, USA.
authors.forename: Ahmed A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Samatar
authors.affiliation: Department of Oncological Sciences and Department of Dermatology, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1470 Madison Avenue, New York, New York 10029, USA.
authors.forename: Poulikos I
authors.initials: PI
authors.lastname: Poulikakos
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000639:trends*; D006801:Humans; D020935:MAP Kinase Signaling System / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018631:ras Proteins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D018631:ras Proteins