Uncovering the role of brain ‐derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine kinase receptor B signaling in head and neck malignancies

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a member of the neurotrophin family of growth factors that was first known as responsible for sustain the growth, function, and plasticity of neural cells. BDNF exerts its effects by binding to the tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). The BDNF/TrkB axis has been reported to be overexpressed in several neurogenic and non‐neurogenic tumors. Its higher expression was associated with a poor prognosis to patients affected by different human malignancies, tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis; epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and resistance to chemotherapy. BDNF/TrkB represent promising targets to the development of novel anticancer therapies. Some clinical trials are currently evaluating the efficacy of Trk protein‐target drugs in different ty...

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