Many drugs bind to the ATP binding site. Su-101 selectively inhibits PDGF receptor and is active against glioblastomas. Ras is activated by receptor tyrosine kinases and turns on additional kinases. Farnysl transferase is essential for ras functions and hooks 15 carbon fatty chains to ras. Inhibitors of farnesyl transferase blocks growth of tumors with and without ras.
Many tumors have inactivating mutations in their tumor suppressor genes.
Gene therapy may use virus vectors to carry the normal copy of the tumor suppressor gene to the tumors. Knock out the production of bcl-2 using antisense oligonucleotides. Use modified viruses to deliver p53 gene to lung tumors. Must be injected directly into tumor so it won't be active against metastases. Regression of head and neck tumors in combination with cisplatin.