[Focus on targeting the Ras-MAPK pathway: the Mek inhibitors].

The Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway is a key component of tumor progression and modulates proliferation, survival, differentiation and angiogenesis. Hyperactivation of this pathway is highly implicated in tumorigenesis especially by gain of function mutation of Kras or Braf. Mek position at the end of the pathway seems to be a promising new therapeutic target in the Kras or Braf mutated cancers. In this review, we aimed at describing the Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway, the new therapeutic approaches in solid tumors and their toxicities. However, there seems to be predictives factors of tumor responses to these new agents and mechanisms of resistance that we will tend to analyse.