Bruton's tyrosine kinase as a molecular target in treatment of leukemias and lymphomas as well as inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity.

IMPORTANCE OF THE FIELD: Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) has emerged as a new anti-apoptotic molecular target for the treatment of B-lineage leukemias and lymphomas. Preclinical and early clinical results indicate that BTK inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of leukemias and lymphomas. BTK inhibitors may also be helpful in prevention and treatment of thromboembolic complications as well as inflammatory disorders. AREAS COVERED IN THIS REVIEW: We provide a comprehensive review of the target diseases for which the use of BTK inhibitors may be helpful as well as the activity profiles of BTK inhibitors. WHAT THE READER WILL GAIN: We review the currently available translational research, biomarker as well as patent literature regarding BTK molecular target and BTK inhibitors. TAKE HOME MESSAGE: BTK inhibitors may provide the foundation for therapeutic innovation against B-lineage leukemias/lymphomas, inflammatory disorders and autoimmunity.