The inhibition of tyrosine kinase receptor signalling in leiomyosarcoma cells using the small molecule kinase inhibitor PTK787/ZK222584 (Vatalanib®).

Leiomyosarcomas remain challenging tumors to manage and novel therapy strategies besides radiation and conventional chemotherapy are needed. Targeting angiogenesis by inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) of the tumor vasculature with small molecules is a promising new therapy. It has been shown recently that these receptors are not only expressed on tumor endothelium but also on tumor cells themselves.

EGCG inhibits recepteur d'origine nantais expression by suppressing Egr-1 in gastric cancer cells.

Abnormal accumulation and activation of the recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) has been implicated in epithelial tumor carcinogenesis. In the present study, we examined the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major green tea catechin, on the induction of RON and tumor growth in human gastric cancer. EGCG inhibited phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA)-induced RON expression and reduced RON transcriptional activity.

STAT5b as molecular target in pancreatic cancer--inhibition of tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastases.

The prognosis of patients suffering from pancreatic cancer is still poor and novel therapeutic options are urgently needed. Recently, the transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 5b (STAT5b) was associated with tumor progression in human solid cancer. Hence, we assessed whether STAT5b might serve as an anticancer target in ductal pancreatic adenocarcinoma (DPAC).

Targeting HSP90 by the novel inhibitor NVP-AUY922 reduces growth and angiogenesis of pancreatic cancer.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of heat-shock protein 90 (HSP90) blockade by the novel inhibitor NVP-AUY922, on tumor growth and angiogenesis in pancreatic cancer.

Materials And Methods: Effects of NVP-AUY922 on signaling pathways were evaluated by western blotting. Cell motility of cancer cells, pericytes and endothelial cells was investigated in Boyden chambers.

Oncogenic MST1R activity in pancreatic and gastric cancer represents a valid target of HSP90 inhibitors.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of HSP90 blockade by EC154 on the oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase macrophage-stimulating 1 receptor (MST1R) in gastric and pancreatic cancer.

Materials And Methods: Impact of EC154 on signaling pathways was investigated by western blotting. Cancer cell migration was evaluated in Boyden chambers.