EGFR as a target: rationale for therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To review the biology of the EGFR, its structure, and the associated signal transduction pathways. To provide an overview of the role of EGFR in normal physiology and the pathophysiology of malignancy. Current anti-EGFR treatments are also discussed.


METHODS
Research articles.


CONCLUSIONS
EGFR is a valid target in the treatment of solid tumors. EGFR abnormalities and dysfunction are involved in various aspects of carcinogenesis and tumor progression, and EGFR is overexpressed in several tumor types. The development of anti-EGFR therapies represents an important advance in cancer therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Anti-EGFR therapy is currently available in the clinical setting. Nurses involved in the care of patients with cancer can benefit from an increased understanding of the normal and abnormal function of EGFR in the body and the mechanisms by which anti-EGFR therapies act.
Wujcik
Debra
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Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Clinical Trials Office, 9th Floor, 1818 Albion Street, Nashville, TN 37208, USA. debbie.wujcik@vanderbilt.edu
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000451:nursing; D009859:Oncology Nursing; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors