Inhibitors of B-cell receptor signaling for patients with B-cell malignancies

The B-cell receptor (BCR) complex and its associated protein tyrosine kinases play a critical role in the development, proliferation, and survival of normal or malignant B cells. Regulated activity of the BCR complex promotes the expansion of selected B cells and the deletion of unwanted or self-reactive ones. Compounds that inhibit various components of this pathway, including spleen tyrosine kinase, Bruton's tyrosine kinase, and phosphoinositol-3 kinase, have been developed. We summarize the rationale for use of agents that can inhibit BCR signaling to treat patients with either indolent or aggressive B-cell lymphomas, highlight early clinical results, and speculate on the future application of such agents in the treatment of patients with various B-cell lymphomas. © 2012 by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.