The role of the epidermal growth factor receptor in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
To review the implications of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade and become familiar with the clinical experience in colorectal carcinoma to date.


METHODS
Research articles and textbooks.


CONCLUSIONS
Blockade of the EGFR results in clinically significant antitumor activities in a variety of tumors, including colorectal carcinoma. There are a variety of mechanisms by which to block the EGFR pathway. Those that have undergone extensive clinical testing include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. In addition, biological agents have shown promise when combined with traditional cytotoxic approaches.


CONCLUSIONS
With many targeted biological agents undergoing evaluation, it is important that nurses become familiar with early clinical experience to understand their role in the treatment of cancer.
Waxman
Elizabeth S
ES
Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, USA.
Herbst
Roy S
RS
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D020319:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D020319:Oligodeoxyribonucleotides, Antisense; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases; D000068818:Cetuximab