Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies

Breast cancer presents a significant challenge due to its heterogeneity and propensity for developing chemoresistance, particularly in the triple-negative subtype. c-Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), a receptor tyrosine kinase, presents a promising target for breast cancer therapy du...

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Main Authors: Emeka Eze Joshua Iweala, Doris Nnenna Amuji, Abimbola Mary Oluwajembola, Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2024-01-01
Series:Current Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590257124000312
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author Emeka Eze Joshua Iweala
Doris Nnenna Amuji
Abimbola Mary Oluwajembola
Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
author_facet Emeka Eze Joshua Iweala
Doris Nnenna Amuji
Abimbola Mary Oluwajembola
Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
author_sort Emeka Eze Joshua Iweala
collection DOAJ
description Breast cancer presents a significant challenge due to its heterogeneity and propensity for developing chemoresistance, particularly in the triple-negative subtype. c-Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), a receptor tyrosine kinase, presents a promising target for breast cancer therapy due to its involvement in disease progression and poor prognosis. However, the heterogeneous expression of c-Met within breast cancer subtypes and individual tumors complicates targeted therapy. Also, cancer cells can develop resistance to c-Met inhibitors through various mechanisms, including bypass signaling pathways and genetic mutations. The off-target effects of c-Met inhibitors further limit their clinical utility, necessitating the development of more selective agents. To overcome these challenges, personalized treatment approaches and combination therapies are being explored to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Novel c-Met inhibitors with improved selectivity and reduced off-target toxicity show promise in preclinical studies. Additionally, targeted delivery systems aim to enhance drug localization and reduce systemic toxicity. Future directions involve refining inhibitor design and integrating c-Met inhibition into personalized treatment regimens guided by molecular profiling. This review explores the mechanisms by which c-Met contributes to chemoresistance in breast cancer and current challenges in targeting c-Met for breast cancer therapy. It discusses strategies to optimize treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient prognosis and reducing mortality rates associated with this devastating disease.
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spelling doaj-art-ca2e38cd280742e2b90f470aa9fb3cad2025-08-20T02:37:45ZengElsevierCurrent Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery2590-25712024-01-01710020410.1016/j.crphar.2024.100204Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategiesEmeka Eze Joshua Iweala0Doris Nnenna Amuji1Abimbola Mary Oluwajembola2Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu3Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota, NigeriaDepartment of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Corresponding author. Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, KM. 10 Idiroko Road, Canaan Land, 112104, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria.Department of Biochemistry, College of Science and Technology, Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria; Covenant Applied Informatics and Communication Africa Centre of Excellence (CApIC-ACE), Covenant University, Ota, NigeriaDepartment of Biochemistry, Abia State University, PMB 2000, Uturu, Abia State, NigeriaBreast cancer presents a significant challenge due to its heterogeneity and propensity for developing chemoresistance, particularly in the triple-negative subtype. c-Mesenchymal epithelial transition factor (c-Met), a receptor tyrosine kinase, presents a promising target for breast cancer therapy due to its involvement in disease progression and poor prognosis. However, the heterogeneous expression of c-Met within breast cancer subtypes and individual tumors complicates targeted therapy. Also, cancer cells can develop resistance to c-Met inhibitors through various mechanisms, including bypass signaling pathways and genetic mutations. The off-target effects of c-Met inhibitors further limit their clinical utility, necessitating the development of more selective agents. To overcome these challenges, personalized treatment approaches and combination therapies are being explored to improve treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. Novel c-Met inhibitors with improved selectivity and reduced off-target toxicity show promise in preclinical studies. Additionally, targeted delivery systems aim to enhance drug localization and reduce systemic toxicity. Future directions involve refining inhibitor design and integrating c-Met inhibition into personalized treatment regimens guided by molecular profiling. This review explores the mechanisms by which c-Met contributes to chemoresistance in breast cancer and current challenges in targeting c-Met for breast cancer therapy. It discusses strategies to optimize treatment outcomes, ultimately improving patient prognosis and reducing mortality rates associated with this devastating disease.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590257124000312Breast cancerChemoresistancec-Met inhibitorsTargeted therapyPreclinical studies
spellingShingle Emeka Eze Joshua Iweala
Doris Nnenna Amuji
Abimbola Mary Oluwajembola
Eziuche Amadike Ugbogu
Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
Current Research in Pharmacology and Drug Discovery
Breast cancer
Chemoresistance
c-Met inhibitors
Targeted therapy
Preclinical studies
title Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
title_full Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
title_fullStr Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
title_full_unstemmed Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
title_short Targeting c-Met in breast cancer: From mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
title_sort targeting c met in breast cancer from mechanisms of chemoresistance to novel therapeutic strategies
topic Breast cancer
Chemoresistance
c-Met inhibitors
Targeted therapy
Preclinical studies
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590257124000312
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