The Therapeutic Potential of MAPK/ERK Inhibitors in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

The MAPK/ERK signaling pathway regulates cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, angiogenesis, metastasis and drug resistance. Mutations and up-regulation of components of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, as well as over-activation of this critical signaling pathway, are frequently observed in colorectal carcinomas. Targeting the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway, using specific pharmacological inhibitors, elicits potent anti-tumor effects, supporting the therapeutic potential of these inhibitors in the treatment of CRC. Several drugs have recently been developed for the inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway in preclinical and clinical settings, such as MEK162 and MK-2206. MEK1/2 inhibitors demonstrate promising efficacy and anticancer activity for the treatment of this malignancy. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the role of the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of CRC and the potential clinical value of synthetic inhibitors of this pathway in preventing CRC progression for a better understanding, and hence, better management of colorectal cancer.