The epidermal growth factor receptor pathway: a model for targeted therapy

Clin Cancer Res. 2006 Sep 15;12(18):5268-72. doi: 10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-05-1554.

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a receptor tyrosine kinase receptor that is frequently expressed in epithelial tumors. The EGFR was the first receptor to be proposed as a target for cancer therapy, and after 2 decades of intensive research, there are several anti-EGFR agents available in the clinic. Recent advances in our understanding in the mechanisms of receptor activation and function, discovery of primary and secondary EGFR somatic mutations, as well as a new generation of anti-EGFR agents provide new leads on the clinical targeting of this receptor and may serve as a model for strategies aimed at targeting other receptors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • ErbB Receptors / antagonists & inhibitors
  • ErbB Receptors / physiology*
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases / physiology
  • Genes, ras / physiology
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Mutation / physiology
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt / physiology
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases / physiology
  • STAT Transcription Factors / physiology
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • raf Kinases / physiology
  • src-Family Kinases / physiology

Substances

  • STAT Transcription Factors
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases
  • ErbB Receptors
  • src-Family Kinases
  • Oncogene Protein v-akt
  • raf Kinases
  • Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases