[Tyrosine Kinase: Implications in Tumor Pathology and Therapeutic Perspectives]

The tyrosine kinase family includes growth factor receptor and cytoplasmic enzymes. It plays a key role in normal cell division and abnormal cell proliferation and differentiation. The most common tyrosine kinases are the epidermal-growth factor (EGFR) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors, and a chromosome Philadelphia product, the Bcr-abl oncogene. Many studies have attempted to correlate clinical evolution of tumors with tyrosine kinase expression. However, clinical application of these new prognostic factors has not yet been demonstrated. More recently, tyrosine-phosphorylation inhibitors (tryphostin) have been developed in phase I studies. Results that were obtained show some objective responses in patients with glioblastoma and polymetastatic cancer. Another approach to block tyrosine kinase expression is the use of monoclonal antibodies. Trials using such antibodies have shown interesting preliminary results.