Cancer Therapy based on the Ras Pathway

Mutations in the Ras pathway occur frequently in human cancers, though mutation in then Ras gene themselves, or in upstream and downstream components on the pathway. Mutant proteins offer possible therapeutic targets. The merits of these targets will be discussed, along with experience in developing therapies in my lab and elsewhere. Development of the Raf kinase inhibitor, Sorafenib (Nexavar), now an approved drug in the US, will be discussed and potential for other therapies based on this pathway will be examined.