Abstract

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a non-receptor tryosine kinase that plays a vital role in tumor cell survival, proliferation and migration. It has been shown that inhibiting the activity of FAK may result in impeding tumor cells invasion and growth. There are several small molecule FAK inhibitors which have been developed with outstanding FAK inhibitory activity. And most of the small molecules are nitrogen-containing aromatic compounds. This review describes the chemical structure characteristics and activity of current small molecule FAK inhibitors that aims to serve as a future reference for the development of potential FAK inhibitors.

Keywords: Cancer, chemical structure, FAK inhibitors.