Comparison of the effects of two kinase inhibitors, sorafenib and dasatinib, on chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

Background: With sorafenib displaying the highest affinities for Flt3, VEGFR (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor) and Raf and dasatinib for Abl and Src kinases, the profiles of kinases targeted by these inhibitors differ strongly.

Materials And Methods: Dose-dependent effects of the inhibitors on freshly isolated chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells were assessed as increased phosphatidylserine exposure. Inhibition by sorafenib and dasatinib of survival and anti-apoptotic signaling in CLL cells was examined by Western blot analysis.