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Epidermal growth factor receptor targeted therapies for solid tumours

M Van den Eynde1, J F Baurain, F Mazzeo

  • 1Department of Medical Oncology, Centre du Cancer, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.

Acta Clinica Belgica
|April 14, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This review covers anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies, including monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule inhibitors, used for various epithelial cancers. It discusses their clinical efficacy, optimal use controversies, and resistance mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways are often activated in human epithelial cancers.
  • Current treatments include anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (e.g., cetuximab) and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g., erlotinib).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize clinical evidence for anti-EGFR treatment efficacy in various cancers.
  • To discuss current clinical controversies regarding the optimal use of anti-EGFR therapies.
  • To briefly review mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR treatments.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical evidence for anti-EGFR therapies.
  • Discussion of clinical controversies and resistance mechanisms.

Main Results:

  • Anti-EGFR therapies are approved for metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, head and neck squamous-cell carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer.
  • Clinical evidence supports the anticancer activity of these treatments.

Conclusions:

  • Anti-EGFR therapies represent a significant advancement in treating various epithelial cancers.
  • Optimal clinical use and resistance mechanisms remain important areas for ongoing research and discussion.

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