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Document Details : Title: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor targeted therapies for solid tumours Author(s): VAN DEN EYNDE M, BAURAIN JF, MAZZEO F, MACHIELS JP Journal: Acta Clinica Belgica Volume: 66 Issue: 1 Date: 2011 Pages: 10-17 DOI: 10.2143/ACB.66.1.2062508 Abstract : The majority of human epithelial cancers is frequently characterized by a functional activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-driven- pathways. Today, two classes of EGFR inhibitors are routinely used in the clinic: anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies such as cetuximab and panitumumab and small-molecule inhibitors of the EGFR tyrosine kinase activity such as erlotinib and gefitinib. Anti-EGFR therapies have been approved in several countries for the treatment of metastatic non–small-cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer, squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and pancreatic cancer. This article summarizes the clinical evidence of the anticancer activity of anti-EGFR treatment, and considers the current, and controversial, clinical issues with respect to their optimal use in the treatment of patients with cancer. Mechanisms of resistance to anti-EGFR treatment are also briefly discussed. |
