Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
Activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been linked to tumour proliferation, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis in epithelial tumours. Inhibitors of the EGFR have emerged as promising anticancer agents and two main approaches have been developed, humanised monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This review discusses the current status of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) that have entered clinical development. EGFR-TKIs are generally well tolerated and can sometimes produce impressive tumour regression in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. However, highly predictive or surrogate markers of activity have not been identified and there remains a need for translational research in their future development.
Ranson
M
M
Department of Medical Oncology, University of Manchester, Christie Hospital NHS Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester M20 4BX, UK. malcolm.ransom@man.ac.uk
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases