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Therapeutic targeting of epidermal growth factor receptor in human cancer: successes and limitations

Jill Wykosky1, Tim Fenton, Frank Furnari

  • 1Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0660, USA.

Chinese Journal of Cancer
|January 4, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) shows promise in cancer treatment by inhibiting tumor growth. However, challenges like genetic alterations and resistance mechanisms require further research for effective therapeutic strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is frequently altered in human cancers through overexpression, amplification, and mutation.
  • Targeted inhibition of EGFR disrupts critical cancer cell signaling pathways, impacting growth, proliferation, and apoptosis resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the successes and challenges associated with targeting EGFR in human cancer therapy.
  • To discuss the implications of genetic alterations and resistance mechanisms for future EGFR-targeted treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of clinical and basic science studies on EGFR-targeting agents.
  • Analysis of genetic alterations in EGFR and resistance mechanisms across various malignancies.

Main Results:

  • EGFR-targeting agents, including small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies, are clinically used for various cancers.
  • The frequency of EGFR genetic alterations and resistance mechanisms varies among different solid tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting EGFR has demonstrated clinical success in treating certain cancers.
  • Understanding EGFR alterations and resistance is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies and overcoming treatment challenges.

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