TOPK: A noteworthy target for lung cancer treatment

T-LAK cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that is specifically expressed in actively proliferating cells, such as normal testicular germ cells, lymphocytes, and various tumor cells. It plays a key role in multiple biological processes, such as cell growth, metastasis, drug resistance, angiogenesis, and inflammation, and is a promising therapeutic target for tumors. Aberrant TOPK overexpression or activation has been observed in lung cancer and is related to lung cancer occurrence and development, clinical outcome, and poor prognosis. The inhibition of TOPK has demonstrated significant therapeutic potential for reducing tumor growth and can even be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Thus, targeting TOPK provides a promising avenue for the prevention and treatment of lung cancer. This article reviews the role of TOPK in the occurrence, development, and drug resistance of lung cancer; summarizes the main signaling pathways affected by TOPK in lung cancer; and analyzes its therapeutic value. The role and potential of TOPK in targeted therapy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy for lung cancer are also discussed. In addition, the latest progress in the use of TOPK inhibitors for lung cancer treatment is summarized, and their future clinical application is discussed. Overall, TOPK is a valuable target for the treatment of lung cancer, and further development of specific TOPK inhibitors is indispensable for the comprehensive treatment of lung cancer.