Genetic polymorphisms of the epidermal growth factor and related receptor in non-small cell lung cancer--a review of the literature.
Worldwide, approximately 1.3 billion individuals are current smokers, and smoking is the second major cause of death. Currently, lung cancer is the most common type of cancer in Europe, and the third in the U.S. Until now, cytotoxic chemotherapy has had a limited impact on survival in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The central role of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) in lung carcinogenesis is well recognized. Genetic polymorphisms are variants in individual genomes that may be responsible for different functional molecular roles and contribute to variability in drug pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic processes. Herein, we review the literature on EGF and EGFR functions and activities, particularly the current role of their functional polymorphisms as related to NSCLC.
Araújo
António
A
Department of Medical Oncology, Portuguese Institute of Oncology, Porto Centre, Rua Dr. António Bernardino de Almeida, 4200 Porto, Portugal. amfaraujo@netcabo.pt
Ribeiro
Ricardo
R
Azevedo
Isabel
I
Coelho
Ana
A
Soares
Marta
M
Sousa
Berta
B
Pinto
Daniela
D
Lopes
Carlos
C
Medeiros
Rui
R
Scagliotti
Giorgio V
GV
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D020794:Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases