title: Anti-EGF receptor therapy.
abstract: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling pathway contributes to a number of processes important to tumour progression, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastatic spread. EGFR signalling is thought to be an important cell survival mechanism in hormone-resistant prostate cancer. ZD1839 ('Iressa') is an orally active, selective EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) which blocks signal transduction pathways implicated in promoting cancer growth. In preclinical studies, ZD1839 alone, and in combination with cytotoxic agents, produced reversible growth inhibition and growth delay in a wide range of tumour cell lines and human tumour xenografts. Preliminary results from phase I trials in patients with advanced disease suggest that ZD1839 has an acceptable tolerability profile and promising clinical efficacy in patients with a variety of tumour types, including hormone-resistant prostate cancer, where new treatment strategies are needed. Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases (2000) 3, 296-302
authors.affiliation: AstraZeneca, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Cheshire, UK.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Blackledge
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Averbuch
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kay
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Barton