Abstract
Sarcomas represent one of the most challenging tumor types to treat due to their diverse nature and our incomplete understanding of their underlying biology. Recent work suggests cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathway activation is a powerful driver of sarcomagenesis. CDK proteins participate in numerous cellular processes required for normal cell function, but their dysregulation is a hallmark of many pathologies including cancer. The contributions and significance of aberrant CDK activity to sarcoma development, however, is only partly understood. Here, we describe what is known about CDK-related alterations in the most common subtypes of sarcoma and highlight areas that warrant further investigation. As disruptions in CDK pathways appear in most, if not all, subtypes of sarcoma, we discuss the history and value of pharmacologically targeting CDKs to combat these tumors. The goals of this review are to (1) assess the prevalence and importance of CDK pathway alterations in sarcomas, (2) highlight the gap in knowledge for certain CDKs in these tumors, and (3) provide insight into studies focused on CDK inhibition for sarcoma treatment. Overall, growing evidence demonstrates a crucial role for activated CDKs in sarcoma development and as important targets for sarcoma therapy.
Highlights
IntroductionThey account for just 1% of all adult human cancers, their frequency is significantly greater (roughly 20%) among pediatric tumors
Despite the diverse nature of sarcomas, activation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) pathways is a common alteration contributing to their pathogenesis
While more remains to be learned about the roles and significance of CDKs in the many different types of sarcomas, especially for CDKs with transcriptional or other activities besides cell cycle regulation, it is clear these kinases are key players in sarcoma biology
Summary
They account for just 1% of all adult human cancers, their frequency is significantly greater (roughly 20%) among pediatric tumors. Many patients experience recurrence and metastasis, requiring systemic therapies that are not very effective. Since these lesions are heterogeneous, responses to generalized treatments are variable and typically do not translate between different subtypes [3]. CDKs associated with transcription bind a single, specific cyclin, whose expression is not regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner [5]. As CDKs control crucial processes required for cell survival and propagation, their hyperactivation (typically through mutation, gene amplification, or altered expression of their regulators) is commonly observed in cancer. Additional consideration is given to CDK-targeted therapy in the pre-clinical setting as well as recent clinical trials
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
