Aurora kinase inhibitors: A new class of targeted drugs in cancer

Aurora kinases (A, B, and Q are essential for spindle assembly, centrosome maturation, chromosomal segregation, and cytokinesis. Aurora kinases A and B are overexpressed in many cancers, including non-small-cell lung cancer and mesothehoma. Small-molecule inhibitors selective for aurora kinases have shown promising activity in preciinical tumor models. To date, phase I studies with aurora kinase inhibitors have shown that myelosuppression is the close-limiting toxicity, and disease stabilization was achieved in a number of tumor types, including non-smallcell lung cancer. Phase II trials are under way in selected tumor types. This article reviews the biology of aurora kirmes, their potential role in the treatment of lung cancer, and challenges in the dinical development of this unique dass of antineoplastic agents.