An update on epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors

Curr Oncol Rep. 2002 Jan;4(1):47-55. doi: 10.1007/s11912-002-0047-6.

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is part of a family of plasma membrane receptor tyrosine kinases that control many important cellular functions, from cell growth and proliferation to cell death. Dysregulation of the EGFR signal transduction pathway has been implicated in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, making it a clinically relevant target for novel anticancer treatments. This paper reviews recent progress in the development of cancer therapies that are directed toward particular aspects of the extracellular and intracellular domains of EGFR. Promising new compounds in the advanced stages of clinical testing are emphasized.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Bispecific / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunotoxins / therapeutic use
  • Ligands
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Research Design
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / drug effects
  • Vaccines / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bispecific
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Immunotoxins
  • Ligands
  • Vaccines
  • ErbB Receptors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases