Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in solid tumors.

Tyrosine kinase (TK) cascades are involved in all stages of tumorigenesis through modulation of transformation and differentiation, cell-cycle progression, and motility. Advances in molecular targeted drug development allow the design and synthesis of inhibitors targeting cancer-associated signal transduction pathways. Potent selective inhibitors with low toxicity can benefit patients with local and metastatic malignancies. This article evaluates information on solid tumor-related TK signaling and inhibitors, including receptor TK signal pathways that lead to successful application in clinical settings, properties of recently approved TK-inhibitor drugs for the treatment of solid tumors, and potential TK pathways for future therapeutic interventions.