Epidermal growth factor receptor-targeted therapy for pancreatic cancer.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in tumor development and maintenance. It is a cell surface molecule that mediates signal transduction from the cell surface to cytoplasm. Elevated expression of EGFR or its ligand correlates with worse prognosis in a variety of human cancers. Therefore, blockade of EGFR activity would provide a novel strategy for the treatment of cancer. Two classes of EGFR inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors, have been described. The preclinical activity of these EGFR inhibitors and phase I clinical data are summarized in this article. A phase II trial of the EGFR inhibitor IMC-C225 in combination with gemcitabine for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer is discussed.
Xiong
Henry Q
HQ
Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA.
Abbruzzese
James L
JL
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004354:Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab