Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
5 Suppl 16
pubmed:dateCreated
2003-11-12
pubmed:abstractText
The proto-oncogene Ras requires localization to the intracellular surface of the cellular membrane to exert its mitogenic effects. This subcellular localization is dependent on post-translational modification of the Ras protein, which results in the covalent addition of a lipid hydrophobic moiety to the carboxy-terminal. This post-translational processing is catalyzed by the enzyme farnesyltransferase. This enzyme adds a 15-carbon farnesyl group to the sulfur atom of the cysteine residue in the carboxy-terminal end of the Ras protein. Specific inhibitors of farnesyltransferase have been generated to block the mitogenic function of Ras. These inhibitors can also prevent the post-translational modification and function of many other farnesylated proteins. These include the centromere-associated proteins CENP-E and CENP-F, RhoB and E, the nuclear lamins, and Rap2. Preclinical studies indicate that these agents have a broad spectrum of antitumor activity, blocking proliferation and inducing apoptosis. The lead compounds currently in clinical development are R115,777 and SCH66336. Clinical trials have shown that these compounds can be safely administered, with favorable therapeutic indices, allowing the administration of biologically active doses of drug. Recent phase II clinical trials in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma have shown that R115,777 has reproducible single-agent activity, with activity being predominantly seen in patients with HER2-positive disease. Studies evaluating combined signal transduction blockade with trastuzumab and R115,777 are therefore being pursued, with a phase I study indicating that full-dose R115,777 can be safely administered with full-dose trastuzumab. Efficacy studies of this combination in patients with metastatic breast carcinoma are ongoing. Taxane and farnesyltransferase inhibitor combinations are also being evaluated because preclinical studies suggest that these classes of anticancer agents may be synergistic. Randomized clinical studies investigating the clinical benefits of farnesyltransferase inhibition, with or without a taxane and trastuzumab, in patients with treatment-naive HER2-positive metastatic breast carcinoma are now warranted.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:chemical
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Oct
pubmed:issn
0093-7754
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
30
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
79-92
pubmed:dateRevised
2007-11-15
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2003
pubmed:articleTitle
Farnesyltransferase inhibitors and their potential in the treatment of breast carcinoma.
pubmed:affiliation
Institute for Drug Development, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't