The epidermal growth factor receptor as a target for gastrointestinal cancer therapy.

摘要: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the family transmem-brane protein kinase receptors known as erbB or HER family. When activated, EGFR phosphorylates and activates other intracellular proteins that affect cell signaling pathways, cellular proliferation, control apoptosis angiogenesis. best thought network activating inactivating with entry point into network. overexpression occurs in most GI malignancies while data are not entirely consistent, often confers poor prognosis those have been studied. It correlates poorly differentiated histology, more advanced stage prognostic markers. tempting target because its presence on so many tumor types. However, downstream several may be activated without thus allowing blockade to overcome. Therefore, blocking activity appears promising anticancer strategy, simplistic strategy only likely impact minority patients. time for laboratory clinical researchers work closely together develop this treatment moving back forth from clini-cal understand how block effectively enough produce broader antitumor effect. While multiple methods targeting pathway under development, including inhibition proteins, two modalities entered trials malignancies: small molecule inhibitors domain antibodies designed extracellular ligand-binding EGFR. still experimental every malignancy notable exception cetuximab approved second third-line therapy metastatic colorectal cancer, used either alone combination irinotecan (Camptosar, Kalamazoo, Mich). Data applications these agents will focus paper.