The epidermal growth factor receptor and its ligands as therapeutic targets in human tumors.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is detected on many non-haematopoietic tissues and is frequently overexpressed in human tumors. With its ligand, TGF-alpha, it forms a well-defined autocrine growth loop. Several clinical approaches, using EGFR as a therapeutic target, are being investigated, particularly monoclonal antibodies combined with chemotherapy, and pharmacological inhibition of downstream components of the EGFR signaling pathway.
Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA. ruschv@mskcc.org
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Dmitrovsky
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D066246:ErbB Receptors