Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) family is comprised of different cell surface glycoproteins. These enzymes participate and regulate vital processes such as cell proliferation, polarity, differentiation, cell to cell interactions, signaling, and cell survival. Dysregulation of RTKs contributes to the development of different types of tumors. RTKs deregulation in cancer has been reported for more than 30 RTKs. Due to critical roles of these molecules in cancer, the specific targeting of RTKs in malignancies is a promising approach. Targeted cellular and molecular therapies have been known as a new type of therapeutics, preventing tumor cell proliferation and invasion by interrupting with molecules necessary for tumor growth and survival. Specific targeting of RTKs using monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in malignancies as well as in autoimmune disorders is of great interest. The growing number of mAbs approved by the authorities implies on the increasing attentions and applications of these therapeutic tools. Due to the high specificity, mAbs are the most promising substances that target RTKs expressed on the tumor cell surface. In this communication, we review the recent progresses in development of mAbs targeting oncogenic RTKs for cancer treatment.
