Platelet-derived growth factor pathway inhibitors in ovarian cancer

Jordan Schmitt, Daniela Matei*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs) are expressed in 50%-70% of ovarian tumors. Platelet-derived growth factor receptor is present and activated in tumor cells through paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. Normal cells in the stroma, particularly fibroblasts, pericytes, and endothelial cells, also harbor PDGFR. The PDGF-PDGFR pathway governs cancer cell proliferation and survival. Platelet-derived growth factor also modulates the stroma, controls tissue interstitial pressure, and plays a role in angiogenesis. Thus, the use of PDGFR inhibitors as cancer therapeutic agents translates into direct inhibitory effects on tumor cells' growth and indirect effects on the stroma. These effects might include increased delivery of chemotherapy into tumors and antiangiogenic properties induced partly by disruption of the pericytes' function. Imatinib mesylate, sorafenib, dasatinib, sunitinib, and neutralizing PDGFR antibodies are being investigated in clinical trials in patients with recurrent ovarian cancer. Development of molecular predictors of activity should remain a priority during early clinical development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)120-126
Number of pages7
JournalClinical Ovarian Cancer
Volume1
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2008

Funding

This work was supported by a Mentored Research Scholar Grant from the American Cancer Society (MRSG #107613) to Daniela Matei.

Keywords

  • Fibroblast growth factor
  • Imatinib
  • Pericytes
  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Platelet-derived growth factor pathway inhibitors in ovarian cancer'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this