Small Molecules: Big Changes in the Cancer Treatment Paradigm

Abstract

Small molecules, a growing class of targeted therapies, have flourished over the last decade. With increased knowledge on molecular cell signaling, targeted therapy has been refined to targeting molecular targets upstream from the nucleus that are key players in the communication system that regulates cancer cell growth. This article reviews the mechanisms of small molecules with a particular emphasis on tyrosine kinase inhibitors, as well as the literature that supports the current clinical use in the treatment of a variety of solid and hematological malignancies.

Effect of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (sunitinib, sorafenib, dasatinib, and imatinib) on blood glucose levels in diabetic and nondiabetic patients in general clinical practice

“…These drugs work as a class, inhibiting the phosphorylation of target proteins by occupying the ATP-binding site of the tyrosine kinase. 1 Sunitinib and sorafenib inhibit multiple tyrosine kinases including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), c-kit, platelet-derived growth factor-beta (PDGFRb), FLT3, and BRAF. They have been currently approved for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC).…”