A Rationale for Targeting Extracellular Regulated Kinases ERK1 and ERK2 in Glioblastoma

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor. It still carries a grim prognosis and new therapies are needed. This review summarizes the current status of mechanistic insights into the function of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and its potential as a therapeutic target for patients with GBM. Currently, some promising ERK inhibitors are in clinical trials in tumor entities other than GBM. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview on the functions of ERK1/2 in GBM and a rationale for treatment of GBM with ERK inhibitors.