Src signaling pathways in prostate cancer

Cancer Metastasis Rev. 2014 Sep;33(2-3):595-606. doi: 10.1007/s10555-013-9481-1.

Abstract

Knowledge of the molecular events that contribute to prostate cancer progression has created opportunities to develop novel therapy strategies. It is now well established that c-Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, regulates a complex signaling network that drives the development of castrate-resistance and bone metastases, events that signal the lethal phenotype of advanced disease. Preclinical studies have established a role for c-Src and Src Family Kinases (SFKs) in proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and bone metabolism, thus implicating Src signaling in both epithelial and stromal mechanisms of disease progression. A number of small molecule inhibitors of SFK now exist, many of which have demonstrated efficacy in preclinical models and several that have been tested in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. These agents have demonstrated provocative clinic activity, particularly in modulating the bone microenvironment in a therapeutically favorable manner. Here, we review the discovery and basic biology of c-Src and further discuss the role of SFK inhibitors in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology
  • Protein Binding
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Androgen / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction* / drug effects
  • src-Family Kinases / chemistry
  • src-Family Kinases / genetics
  • src-Family Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Androgen
  • src-Family Kinases