Cetuximab-based PROteolysis targeting chimera for effectual downregulation of NSCLC with varied EGFR mutations

Emerging paradigms and recent progress in targeting ErbB in cancers

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family is a class of transmembrane proteins, highly regarded as anticancer targets due to their pivotal role in various malignancies. Standard cancer treatments targeting the ErbB receptors include tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). Despite their substantial survival benefits, the achievement of curative outcomes is hindered by acquired resistance. Recent advancements in anti-ErbB approaches, such as inhibitory peptides, nanobodies, targeted-protein degradation strategies, and bispecific antibodies (BsAbs), aim to overcome such resistance. More recently, emerging insights into the cell surface interactome of the ErbB family open new avenues for modulating ErbB signaling by targeting specific domains of ErbB partners. Here, we review recent progress in ErbB targeting and elucidate emerging paradigms that underscore the significance of EGF domain-containing proteins (EDCPs) as new ErbB-targeting pathways.

New-generation advanced PROTACs as potential therapeutic agents in cancer therapy

Proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) technology has garnered significant attention over the last 10 years, representing a burgeoning therapeutic approach with the potential to address pathogenic proteins that have historically posed challenges for traditional small-molecule inhibitors. PROTACs exploit the endogenous E3 ubiquitin ligases to facilitate degradation of the proteins of interest (POIs) through the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in a cyclic catalytic manner. Despite recent endeavors to advance the utilization of PROTACs in clinical settings, the majority of PROTACs fail to progress beyond the preclinical phase of drug development. There are multiple factors impeding the market entry of PROTACs, with the insufficiently precise degradation of favorable POIs standing out as one of the most formidable obstacles. Recently, there has been exploration of new-generation advanced PROTACs, including small-molecule PROTAC prodrugs, biomacromolecule-PROTAC conjugates, and nano-PROTACs, to improve the in vivo efficacy of PROTACs. These improved PROTACs possess the capability to mitigate undesirable physicochemical characteristics inherent in traditional PROTACs, thereby enhancing their targetability and reducing off-target side effects. The new-generation of advanced PROTACs will mark a pivotal turning point in the realm of targeted protein degradation. In this comprehensive review, we have meticulously summarized the state-of-the-art advancements achieved by these cutting-edge PROTACs, elucidated their underlying design principles, deliberated upon the prevailing challenges encountered, and provided an insightful outlook on future prospects within this burgeoning field.

Kinase Inhibitors and Kinase-Targeted Cancer Therapies: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Over 120 small-molecule kinase inhibitors (SMKIs) have been approved worldwide for treating various diseases, with nearly 70 FDA approvals specifically for cancer treatment, focusing on targets like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family. Kinase-targeted strategies encompass monoclonal antibodies and their derivatives, such as nanobodies and peptides, along with innovative approaches like the use of kinase degraders and protein kinase interaction inhibitors, which have recently demonstrated clinical progress and potential in overcoming resistance. Nevertheless, kinase-targeted strategies encounter significant hurdles, including drug resistance, which greatly impacts the clinical benefits for cancer patients, as well as concerning toxicity when combined with immunotherapy, which restricts the full utilization of current treatment modalities. Despite these challenges, the development of kinase inhibitors remains highly promising. The extensively studied tyrosine kinase family has 70% of its targets in various stages of development, while 30% of the kinase family remains inadequately explored. Computational technologies play a vital role in accelerating the development of novel kinase inhibitors and repurposing existing drugs. Recent FDA-approved SMKIs underscore the importance of blood-brain barrier permeability for long-term patient benefits. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent FDA-approved SMKIs based on their mechanisms of action and targets. We summarize the latest developments in potential new targets and explore emerging kinase inhibition strategies from a clinical perspective. Lastly, we outline current obstacles and future prospects in kinase inhibition.

PROTACs in Ovarian Cancer: Current Advancements and Future Perspectives

Ovarian cancer is the deadliest gynecologic malignancy. The majority of patients diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer will relapse, at which point additional therapies can be administered but, for the most part, these are not curative. As such, a need exists for the development of novel therapeutic options for ovarian cancer patients. Research in the field of targeted protein degradation (TPD) through the use of proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs) has significantly increased in recent years. The ability of PROTACs to target proteins of interest (POI) for degradation, overcoming limitations such as the incomplete inhibition of POI function and the development of resistance seen with other inhibitors, is of particular interest in cancer research, including ovarian cancer research. This review provides a synopsis of PROTACs tested in ovarian cancer models and highlights PROTACs characterized in other types of cancers with potential high utility in ovarian cancer. Finally, we discuss methods that will help to enable the selective delivery of PROTACs to ovarian cancer and improve the pharmacodynamic properties of these agents.

PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates for precise protein degradation in cancer therapy: A review

Proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology is a promising new mode of targeted protein degradation with significant transformative implications for the clinical treatment of different diseases. Nevertheless, while this technology offers numerous advantages, on-target off-tumour toxicity in healthy cells remains a major challenge for clinical application in cancer therapy. Strategies are presently being explored to optimize degradation activity with cellular selectivity to minimize undesirable side effects. PROTAC-antibody conjugates and PROTAC-aptamer conjugates are unique innovations that combine PROTACs and biomacromolecules. These novel PROTAC-biomacromolecule conjugates (PBCs) can enhance the targetability of PROTACs and reduce their off-target side-effects. The combination of potent PROTACs and highly safe biomacromolecules will pioneer an emerging trend in targeted protein degradation. In our review, we have summarized recent advances in PBCs, discussed current challenges, and outlooked opportunities for future research in the field.

Potential of CDC25 phosphatases in cancer research and treatment: key to precision medicine

The global burden of cancer continues to rise, underscoring the urgency of developing more effective and precisely targeted therapies. This comprehensive review explores the confluence of precision medicine and CDC25 phosphatases in the context of cancer research. Precision medicine, alternatively referred to as customized medicine, aims to customize medical interventions by taking into account the genetic, genomic, and epigenetic characteristics of individual patients. The identification of particular genetic and molecular drivers driving cancer helps both diagnostic accuracy and treatment selection. Precision medicine utilizes sophisticated technology such as genome sequencing and bioinformatics to elucidate genetic differences that underlie the proliferation of cancer cells, hence facilitating the development of customized therapeutic interventions. CDC25 phosphatases, which play a crucial role in governing the progression of the cell cycle, have garnered significant attention as potential targets for cancer treatment. The dysregulation of CDC25 is a characteristic feature observed in various types of malignancies, hence classifying them as proto-oncogenes. The proteins in question, which operate as phosphatases, play a role in the activation of Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), so promoting the advancement of the cell cycle. CDC25 inhibitors demonstrate potential as therapeutic drugs for cancer treatment by specifically blocking the activity of CDKs and modulating the cell cycle in malignant cells. In brief, precision medicine presents a potentially fruitful option for augmenting cancer research, diagnosis, and treatment, with an emphasis on individualized care predicated upon patients' genetic and molecular profiles. The review highlights the significance of CDC25 phosphatases in the advancement of cancer and identifies them as promising candidates for therapeutic intervention. This statement underscores the significance of doing thorough molecular profiling in order to uncover the complex molecular characteristics of cancer cells.

Resistance of Lung Cancer to EGFR-Specific Kinase Inhibitors: Activation of Bypass Pathways and Endogenous Mutators

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have changed the landscape of lung cancer therapy. For patients who are treated with the new TKIs, the current median survival exceeds 3 years, substantially better than the average 20 month survival rate only a decade ago. Unfortunately, despite initial efficacy, nearly all treated patients evolve drug resistance due to the emergence of either new mutations or rewired signaling pathways that engage other receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as MET, HER3 and AXL. Apparently, the emergence of mutations is preceded by a phase of epigenetic alterations that finely regulate the cell cycle, bias a mesenchymal phenotype and activate antioxidants. Concomitantly, cells that evade TKI-induced apoptosis (i.e., drug-tolerant persister cells) activate an intrinsic mutagenic program reminiscent of the SOS system deployed when bacteria are exposed to antibiotics. This mammalian system imbalances the purine-to-pyrimidine ratio, inhibits DNA repair and boosts expression of mutation-prone DNA polymerases. Thus, the net outcome of the SOS response is a greater probability to evolve new mutations. Deeper understanding of the persister-to-resister transformation, along with the development of next-generation TKIs, EGFR-specific proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs), as well as bispecific antibodies, will permit delaying the onset of relapses and prolonging survival of patients with EGFR+ lung cancer.