Naturally Occurring Compounds as Potential Inhibitors of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFRs)

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) activation is crucial for tumor growth and progression.
• Targeting the EGFR signaling pathway is a key strategy in cancer therapy.
• Resistance to current synthetic EGFR inhibitors necessitates the exploration of novel therapeutic agents.

Approach:

• This review systematically analyzes natural products reported as EGFR inhibitors from 2005 to 2020.
• It summarizes the role of EGFR in cancer and evaluates existing synthetic inhibitors.
• The review explores advanced technologies for discovering natural EGFR inhibitors.

Key Points:

• Twenty-one distinct groups of natural compounds and their derivatives demonstrate potential EGFR inhibitory activity.
• Natural products offer diverse chemical structures that may overcome resistance mechanisms associated with synthetic inhibitors.
• The focus is on compounds identified and studied within a recent 15-year period.

Conclusions:

• Naturally occurring compounds represent a promising source for developing novel EGFR inhibitors.
• Further research into these natural products could lead to more effective cancer therapies.
• Exploring natural product-based EGFR inhibitors is vital for overcoming drug resistance in cancer treatment.