Alpha-v Integrins as Therapeutic Targets in Oncology

Abstract

Integrins are heterodimeric cell adhesion receptors that mediate intercellular communication through cell-extracellular matrix interactions and cell-cell interactions. Integrins have been demonstrated to play a direct role in cancer progression, specifically in tumor cell survival, tumor angiogenesis, and metastasis. Therefore, agents targeted against integrin function have potential as effective anticancer therapies. Numerous anti-integrin agents, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors, are in clinical development for the treatment of solid and hematologic tumors. This review focuses on the role of α_v integrins in cancer progression, the current status of integrin-targeted agents in development, and strategies for the clinical development of anti-integrin therapies.

Keywords:

• Integrins
• Adhesion
• Angiogenesis
• Anti-tumor
• Clinical trials