title: Epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and colorectal cancer.
abstract: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in cell growth, differentiation, and survival. Targeting EGFR in patients with colorectal cancer has become an important therapeutic tool. Recently, a monoclonal antibody against the extracellular domain of the receptor (cetuximab [Erbitux]) has been approved for the treatment of patients with EGFR-positive metastatic disease refractory to irinotecan (Camptosar)-based therapy. The role of other targeted agents against EGFR, including other monoclonal antibodies as well as inhibitors of the intracellular tyrosine kinase domain, will also be discussed.
authors.affiliation: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. jmeyerhardt@partners.org
authors.forename: Jeffrey A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Meyerhardt
authors.forename: Charles S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Fuchs
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D004337:Drug Carriers; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004337:Drug Carriers; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D011505:Protein-Tyrosine Kinases