Review. EGFR mutations in non-small cell lung cancer--clinical implications.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family members seem to play a critical role in lung tumourigenesis and are overexpressed in 40-80% of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) tumours. EGFR activation results in a series of downstream signaling events that mediate cancer cell growth, proliferation, motility, adhesion, invasion, apoptosis inhibition and metastasis as well as resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, EGFR inhibitors seem to be an effective therapy for some patients with previously treated NSCLC. A thorough investigation of EGFR, its major signaling pathways, its identification and biology in NSCLC and the responsiveness to gefitinib, erlotinib and cetuximab in connection to EGFR mutations as well as the possible mechanisms of resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors is the scope of this review.
Charpidou
Andriani
A
Oncology Unit, Third Department of Medicine, Athens School of Medicine, Sotiria General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Blatza
Despoina
D
Anagnostou
Valsamo
V
Anagnostou
Elsa
E
Syrigos
Konstantinos N
KN
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000494:pharmacology; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017209:Apoptosis; D002289:Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D000068818:Cetuximab; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics*; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D000077156:Gefitinib; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics* / Q000473:pathology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009154:Mutation; D011799:Quinazolines / Q000494:pharmacology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D061067:Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized; D011799:Quinazolines; D000069347:Erlotinib Hydrochloride; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D000068818:Cetuximab; D000077156:Gefitinib