A therapeutic opportunity in melanoma: ErbB4 makes a mark on skin

Cancer Cell. 2009 Oct 6;16(4):278-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ccr.2009.09.013.

Abstract

Malignant melanomas are aggressive tumors that are largely refractory to conventional drug therapies. A recent study reported in Nature Genetics identified mutationally activated ErbB4 alleles in 20% of cases. These tumor cells exhibit ErbB4 dependency, suggesting that ErbB4 kinase inhibition may constitute an effective therapeutic strategy in this setting.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / genetics*
  • ErbB Receptors / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / drug therapy
  • Melanoma / genetics*
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Mutation
  • Phenotype
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Receptor, ErbB-4
  • Skin Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • ERBB4 protein, human
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Receptor, ErbB-4