Integration of EGFR inhibitors with radiochemotherapy.
Laboratory studies that led to the development of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors indicated that such inhibitors would be effective when given to patients with tumours that are driven by activated EGFR. However, initial clinical studies have shown modest responses to EGFR inhibitors when used alone, and it has not yet been possible to clearly identify which tumours will respond to this therapy. As a result, EGFR inhibitors are now used in combination with radiation therapy, chemotherapy and, more recently, with concurrent radiochemotherapy. In general, these clinical trials have been designed without much preclinical data. What do we need to know to make these combinations successful in the clinic?
Nyati
Mukesh K
MK
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
Morgan
Meredith A
MA
Feng
Felix Y
FY
Lawrence
Theodore S
TS
D000818:Animals; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000532:radiotherapy*
D066246:ErbB Receptors