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Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer

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Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an important mediator of normal cellular processes such as growth, survival, differentiation and morphogenesis. Disturbances in the EGFR pathway have been associated with the development and progression of malignancy, including cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion/metastasis and anti-apoptosis, as well as with resistance to chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. As a result, this is an excellent rationale for treatment with EGFR-specific therapeutic agents. These agents may be EGFR-targeted antibodies or small molecules that inactivate the receptor tyrosine kinase. While only cetuximab has received US FDA approval for the treatment of colorectal cancer, numerous agents are currently in development and in clinical trials and constitute an area of intensive, ongoing research.

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Acknowledgements

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. Dr Diasio has acted as a consultant for and received honoraria from Imclone, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Amgen and Genentech.

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  1. Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology/Toxicology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670, University Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama, VH L108H, 35294-0019, USA

    Robert B. Diasio & Jeanne Fourie

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Correspondence to Robert B. Diasio.

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Diasio, R.B., Fourie, J. Targeting the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Drugs 66, 1441–1463 (2006). https://doi.org/10.2165/00003495-200666110-00003

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