Clinical Implications of EGFR Expression in the Development and Progression of Solid Tumors: Focus on Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Abstract

Abstract Learning Objectives After completing this course, the reader will be able to: Describe the EGFR signaling pathway as a target for new anticancer agents.Characterize the various EGFR agents developed for the treatment of NSCLC.Identify the appropriate indications for the use of these new agents. Access and take the CME test online and receive 1 AMA PRA category 1 credit at CME.TheOncologist.com Dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is associated with the development and progression of malignancy, and EGFR-targeted therapies offer the promise of better treatment for many types of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer. Anti-EGFR agents include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the EGFR extracellular receptor domain and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the EGFR intracellular kinase domain. Both mAbs and TKIs have demonstrated encouraging results as monotherapies and in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review provides a critical update on the status of these novel therapeutics.