[Molecular target-based cancer therapy: epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors].
Based on recent progress in cancer biology, numerous molecules that contribute to proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of cancer cells have been identified. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a member of cell membrane receptors, is overexpressed by many tumors, and EGFR overexpression correlates with poor prognosis and disease progression. The EGFR is an attractive target for novel anticancer therapy. ZD1839 and OSI-774, highly specific EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have shown promising antitumor activity against cisplatin-resistant non-small cell lung cancer in phase I and phase II trials. IMC-C225, a monoclonal antibody against EGFR, has achieved significant disease control in head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer in combination with anticancer agents. These agents are under evaluation in phase III trials. In conclusion, it is expected that EGFR-directed therapies will soon be established as an effective novel treatment for many cancer patients.
Tamura
Tomohide
T
Division of Internal Medicine, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000276:immunology; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000068818:Cetuximab; D000077156:Gefitinib