Inhibitors to Overcome Secondary Mutations in the Stem Cell Factor Receptor KIT

In modern cancer therapy, the use of small organic molecules against receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) has been shown to be a valuable strategy. The association of cancer cells with dysregulated signaling pathways linked to RTKs represents a key element in targeted cancer therapies. The tyrosine kinase mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT is an example of a clinically relevant RTK. KIT is targeted for cancer therapy in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). However, acquired resistance mutations within the catalytic domain decrease the efficacy of this strategy and are the most common cause of failed therapy. Here, we present the structure-based design and synthesis of novel type II kinase inhibitors to overcome these mutations in KIT. Biochemical and cellular studies revealed promising molecules for the inhibition of mutated KIT.