Heat shock protein 90 targeting therapy: state of the art and future perspective

Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is an ATP-dependent molecular chaperone that plays a role in stabilizing and activating more than 200 client proteins. It is required for the stability and function of numerous oncogenic signaling proteins that determine the hallmarks of cancer. Since the initial discovery of the first Hsp90 inhibitor in the 1970s, multiple phase II and III clinical trials of several Hsp90 inhibitors have been undertaken. This review provides an overview of the current status on clinical trials of Hsp90 inhibitors and future perspectives on novel anticancer strategies using Hsp90 inhibitors.