The epidermal growth factor receptor and its inhibition in cancer therapy

Much effort has been expended in the search for inhibitors of signalling mo lecules that may prove to be important therapeutically in cancer. The epide rmal growth factor receptor (EGFR) family and their associated ligands has been one such area extensively investigated. The complex nature of EGFR bio logy allows for potential opportunities for EGFR inhibitors in a number of areas of cancer therapy, including proliferative, angiogenic, invasive, and metastatic aspects. Much positive evidence of likely benefit has already b een gathered from a multiplicity of laboratory experiments. Clinical trials are now urgently required to further evaluate the advantages of such agent s. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.