Oncogenic driver pathways

Oncogenic driver pathways are complex networks of biochemical reactions that transmit signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, regulating essential processes such as growth, division, and survival. In oncology, these pathways become pathologically activated through genetic alterations like mutations, amplifications, or fusions, which provide a selective growth advantage to cancer cells (Sanchez-Vega et al., 2018, Cell). Key examples include the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK), Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and Notch signaling pathways (NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms). Therapeutic strategies often involve the use of targeted inhibitors designed to block specific enzymes or receptors within these pathways to halt tumor progression. However, the clinical utility of these drugs is frequently limited by the emergence of resistance mechanisms and the potential for systemic toxicity due to the pathways' roles in normal cellular homeostasis (Sever & Brugge, 2015, Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology). Understanding the crosstalk between different oncogenic driver pathways is crucial for developing effective combination therapies in precision medicine.

Other names

Oncogenic signaling pathwaysCancer driver pathwaysOncogenic cascadesTumorigenic signaling pathways

Inhibition of specific signaling nodes such as tyrosine kinases, serine/threonine kinases, or cell surface receptors to disrupt constitutive downstream signaling (Sever & Brugge, 2015, Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology).