Activin A: an emerging target for improving cancer treatment?. (2nd October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ries, Alexander; Schelch, Karin; Falch, David; Pany, Laura; Hoda, Mir Alireza; Grusch, Michael
• Is Part Of: Expert opinion on therapeutic targets. Volume 24:Number 10(2020:Oct.)
• Page Start: 985
• Page End: 996
• Publication Date: 2020-10-02
• Subjects: Activin -- cachexia -- cell growth regulation -- cell migration -- immune evasion -- smad signaling -- targeting strategies; Drugs -- Research -- Periodicals; 615.072
• DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1799350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-7631

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Activin A is involved in the regulation of a surprisingly broad number of processes that are relevant for cancer development and treatment; it is implicated in cell autonomous functions and multiple regulatory functions in the tumor microenvironment. Areas covered: This article summarizes the current knowledge about activin A in cell growth and death, migration and metastasis, angiogenesis, stemness and drug resistance, regulation of antitumor immunity, and cancer cachexia. We explore the role of activin A as a biomarker and discuss strategies for using it as target for cancer therapy. Literature retrieved from Medline until 25 June 2020 was considered. Expert opinion: While many functions of activin A were investigated in preclinical models, there is currently limited experience from clinical trials. Activin A has growth- and migration-promoting effects, contributes to immune evasion and cachexia and is associated with shorter survival in several cancer types. Targeting activin A could offer the chance to simultaneously limit tumor growth and spreading, improve drug response, boost antitumor immune responses and improve cancer-associated or treatment-associated cachexia, bone loss, and anemia. Nevertheless, defining which patients have the highest likelihood of benefiting from these effects is challenging and will require further work.