Exploring PIM1 Kinase as a Therapeutic Target: Mechanisms and Strategies in Cancer Treatment

Cancer remains a major global health challenge and is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Targeted therapy has emerged as one of the most promising strategies for cancer treatment. However, current targeted therapies highlight the urgent need for novel therapeutic targets and strategies. The provirus integration site for Moloney murine leukemia virus 1 (PIM1) kinase has been identified as a key factor in tumor progression and poor prognosis. This review systematically summarizes and analyzes the diverse mechanisms of PIM1 in promoting tumor progression, including cell programmed death, cell cycle progression, DNA damage response, metastasis, cell stemness, metabolic reprogramming, tumor angiogenesis, anti-cancer immune response and therapeutic resistance, and comprehensively evaluates its potential as a therapeutic target. Moreover, PIM1 contributes to the development of resistance to various anticancer therapies. Based on the advances and limitations in PIM1-targeted cancer therapy, we propose that future research should focus on combination strategies involving PIM1 inhibitors and agents targeting parallel or upstream/downstream pathways regulated by PIM1. Our review highlights the therapeutic value and potential of PIM1 in cancer treatment, providing new insights and theoretical bases for the development of novel anti-tumor strategies targeting PIM1.