The advent of imatinib (Glivec) — a small-molecule inhibitor that targets the BCR–ABL kinase in chronic myelogenous leukaemia — not only boosted the development of rationally designed drugs, but also stimulated interest in kinases as therapeutic targets for cancer.

One type of cancer that kinase inhibitors might also prove successful against is acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). On page 502, Nancy Speck and Gary Gilliland discuss the deregulation of core-binding factors (CBFs) — transcription factors that control haematopoietic development — in AML. But that is only half the story. In addition to the impaired differentiation that is induced by CBF alterations, mutations in genes that affect proliferation and survival — which often encode kinases — are also proposed to be required. Small-molecule inhibitors of one such kinase, FLT3, is already in clinical trials for the treatment of AML (see Trial Watch on page 482).

Ivor Vivanco and Charles Sawyers, on page 489, describe the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which is frequently upregulated in human cancer and leads to the activation of another kinase, AKT. AKT is involved in many processes that are important for tumorigenesis, and the inhibition of either PI3K or AKT could have a significant impact on combatting cancer.

Journals, as well as drugs, develop, and it is with regret that we announce that Cath Brooksbank, stepped down as Editor to return to academia. Ezzie Hutchinson — who has a strong background in cancer research, and experience of clinical oncology in both medical writing and publishing — has now joined the team. Together, the team will strive to maintain the high standards already achieved and ensure that it is an indispensable forum and resource for cancer researchers worldwide.