Molecular Pathogenesis of Vestibular Schwannomas: Insights for the Development of Novel Medical Therapies
Journal Title: Otolaryngologia Polska - Year 2012, Vol 66, Issue 2
Abstract
SUMMARY Vestibular schwannomas (VS), benign intracranial tumors originating from the vestibulocochlear nerve, usually present with hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance dysfunction. Rarely, however, if untreated, these neoplasms can cause significant patient compromise — resulting in facial paralysis, brainstem compression, and even death. Those with vestibular schwannomas currently choose between surgery and stereotactic radiation therapy as available treatment options. Unfortunately, no medical therapies are presently U.S. Food & Drug Administration approved, representing an urgent and unmet clinical need. Recent breakthroughs in research have discovered key celt surface receptors and intracellular signaling pathways that drive vestibular schwannoma tumorigenesis, proliferation, and survival. A number of promising inhibitors targeting these signaling molecules have also now shown efficacy in preclinical VS cell culture models and animal experiments, with some recently entering human clinical trials. In this review, we summarize ErbB receptor signaling, PDGF receptors, MAP kinase signaling, AKT, p21-activated kinase signaling, mTOR, and VEGF signaling in the context of vestibular schwannoma drug development efforts worldwide. Today, it is truly an exciting time as our specialty stands on the verge of major breakthroughs in the development of medical therapies for VS.
Authors and Affiliations
Craig Miller, Suzu Igarashi, Abraham Jacob
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP52443
- DOI -
- Views 116
- Downloads 0
Sprawozdanie z 46. Kongresu Południowo-Afrykańskiego Towarzystwa Otorynolaryngologii Chirurgii Głowy i Szyi oraz Południowo-Afrykańskiego Stowarzyszenia Audiologów i Południowo-Afrykańskiego Towarzystwa Onkologii Głowy i Szyi
W dniach od 24 do 27 października 2010 r. odbył się 46. Kongres Południowo-Afrykańskiego Towarzystwa Otorynolaryngologii Chirurgii Głowy i Szyi (South Afri-can Society of Otorhinolaryngology Head Neck Surgery) we współpr...
Czy smog ma wpływ na częstość występowania zaostrzeń przewlekłego zapalenia krtani? Analiza na przykładzie mieszkańców województwa małopolskiego.
Z powodu dynamicznej industrializacji smog stał się częstym zjawiskiem w większości rozwijających się miast. Według ostatniego raportu WHO na podstawie Global Urban Ambient Air Pollution Database Kraków znalazł się na 11...
The assessment of hearing impairment in patients over 60 years of age using hearing aids
Objective: To assess the hearing impairment in people over 60 years old using hearing aids. This was a single-center study, but it is planned to extend it further to the whole country. Materials and methods: The study wa...
Surgery of chronic otitis media – strategy of treatment
Abstract<br/><br/>
Evaluation of selected indicators of antioxidant status in patients with head and neck cancer
Introduction: The aim of the study was to evaluate the severity of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and enzymatic antioxidant barrier in red blood cells of patients suffering from cancer of the head and neck and the healthy in...