title: Targeting the EGFR-family for therapy: biological challenges and clinical perspective.
abstract: Members of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or ErbB receptor family play a critical role in a wide range of human cancers. In the past decade, there has been a remarkable progress in developing ErbB targeted therapeutics. However, a substantial portion of patients has non-responsive disease or subsequently shows evidence of tumour relapse following initial success with anti-ErbB agents. Improved insights into the biology of ErbB receptor family have led to more effective second- and third-generation anti-ErbB therapies. In this review, we have summarised salient features of the ErbB receptor physiology and highlighted key mechanisms involved in abnormal ErbB signalling in tumorigenesis. The rationale of anti-ErbB receptor therapies are outlined along with key mechanisms proposed for resistance to treatment as well as the current concept of combined anti-ErbB therapies. In conclusion, improved understanding of the molecular pathways that confer resistance to anti-ErbB therapeutics will be essential in minimising tumour resistance to ErbB targeted treatments.
authors.affiliation: Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Garscube Estate, Switchback Rd, Bearsden, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Rachana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Hing Y
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Leung
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D066246:ErbB Receptors