TrkB inhibition by GNF‑4256 slows growth and enhances chemotherapeutic efficacy in neuroblastoma xenografts

Purpose Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common and deadly pediatric solid tumors. NB is characterized by clinical heterogeneity, from spontaneous regression to relentless progression despite intensive multimodality therapy. There is compelling evidence that members of the tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) family play important roles in these disparate clinical behaviors. Indeed, TrkB and its ligand, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are expressed in 50–60 % of high-risk NBs. The BDNF/TrkB autocrine pathway enhances survival, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis and drug resistance.