[HTML][HTML] Targeting BRAF in thyroid cancer

AV Espinosa, L Porchia, MD Ringel - British journal of cancer, 2007 - nature.com
AV Espinosa, L Porchia, MD Ringel
British journal of cancer, 2007nature.com
Activating mutations in the gene encoding BRAF are the most commonly identified
oncogenic abnormalities in papillary thyroid cancer. In vitro and in vivo models have
demonstrated that overexpression of activated BRAF induces malignant transformation and
aggressive tumour behaviour. BRAF and other RAF kinases are frequently activated by
other thyroid oncogenes and are important mediators of their biological effects including
dedifferentiation and proliferation. Because current therapeutic options for patients with …
Abstract
Activating mutations in the gene encoding BRAF are the most commonly identified oncogenic abnormalities in papillary thyroid cancer. In vitro and in vivo models have demonstrated that overexpression of activated BRAF induces malignant transformation and aggressive tumour behaviour. BRAF and other RAF kinases are frequently activated by other thyroid oncogenes and are important mediators of their biological effects including dedifferentiation and proliferation. Because current therapeutic options for patients with thyroid cancers that are aggressive and/or do not respond to standard therapies are limited, BRAF and its downstream effectors represent attractive therapeutic targets. In this review, data supporting a role for BRAF activation in thyroid cancer development and establishing the potential therapeutic efficacy of BRAF-targeted agents in patients with thyroid cancer will be reviewed.
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