Vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.
Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has developed considerably over the past decade, especially in the areas of targeted therapeutics and biomarker development. Multiple cellular pathways influence the growth and metastatic potential of CRC. Targeted therapies have been designed to interfere with specific molecular events in pathways that mediate tumor growth and progression. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are valid therapeutic targets for patients with CRC. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed to target EGFR, VEGF, and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) and are important additions to CRC treatment options. We review the most recent data on the VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways and therapeutic reagents designed to target them, provide insights into their mechanisms, and describe results from recent clinical trials.
Winder
Thomas
T
Division of Medical Oncology, University of Southern California/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Lenz
Heinz-Josef
HJ
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000235:genetics; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; C467484:VEGFA protein, human; D042461:Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A; D004815:Epidermal Growth Factor; C512478:EGFR protein, human; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D040262:Receptors, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor