Abstract B14: Targeting the intratumoral heterogeneity of receptor tyrosine kinases in breast cancer

Breast cancers display a remarkable phenotypic diversity that is exploited to promote both tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. Recent studies in several types of cancer have highlighted the significance of intratumoral heterogeneity on both innate and acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Tumor plasticity is supported by the heterogeneous expression of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and the robustness that the overlapping signaling networks provide. Therefore a thorough understanding of the intratumoral heterogeneity is necessary for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.The receptor tyrosine kinase MET is overexpressed in 20-30% of breast cancers and correlates with poor patient outcome. Previously, we determined that high MET expression correlated with ER-/ERBB2- and basal like breast cancers. These results and the efficacy of MET inhibitors in other cancers suggest that MET may be an effective clinical target for aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Recent studies have exposed interactions between MET and the ERBB receptor family in the progression and therapeutic resistance of several cancers. Since MET, ERBB2, and EGFR are known to be highly expressed in aggressive breast cancer subtypes, it is critical that we understand the relationships between these receptors in order to develop effective treatment strategies.We are investigating the relationship between MET and ERBB receptor signaling in the progression and resistance of E...

Source: Molecular Cancer Research - February 29, 2016 Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Tovar, E. A., Linklater, E. S., Essenburg, C. J., Madaj, Z., Cherba, D. M., Winn, M. E., Korkaya, H., Boerner, J. L., Graveel, C. R. Tags: Targeted Therapies: Poster Presentations - Proffered Abstracts Source Type: research