title: The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in head and neck cancer: its role and treatment implications.
abstract: Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a member of the ErbB family of receptors. Its stimulation by endogenous ligands, EGF or transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-alpha) results in activation of intracellular tyrosine kinase, therefore, cell cycle progression. High levels of EGFR expression are correlated with poor prognosis and resistance to radiation therapy in a variety of cancers, mostly in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Blocking the EGFR by a monoclonal antibody results in inhibition of the stimulation of the receptor, therefore, in inhibition of cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis, and reduced angiogenesis, invasiveness and metastases. The EGFR is a prime target for new anticancer therapy in SCCHN, and other agents in development include small molecular tyrosine kinase inhibitors and antisense therapies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Bugnon 46, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland. michel.zimmermann@chuv.ch
authors.forename: Michel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: Abderrahim
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zouhair
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Azria
authors.forename: Mahmut
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Ozsahin
mesh_terms: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002453:Cell Cycle; D000068818:Cetuximab; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000502:physiology*; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008024:Ligands; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011379:Prognosis; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha / Q000378:metabolism; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008024:Ligands; D016376:Oligonucleotides, Antisense; D016211:Transforming Growth Factor alpha; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab