ERBB receptors and cancer: the complexity of targeted inhibitors

Nat Rev Cancer. 2005 May;5(5):341-54. doi: 10.1038/nrc1609.

Abstract

ERBB receptor tyrosine kinases have important roles in human cancer. In particular, the expression or activation of epidermal growth factor receptor and ERBB2 are altered in many epithelial tumours, and clinical studies indicate that they have important roles in tumour aetiology and progression. Accordingly, these receptors have been intensely studied to understand their importance in cancer biology and as therapeutic targets, and many ERBB inhibitors are now used in the clinic. We will discuss the significance of these receptors as clinical targets, in particular the molecular mechanisms underlying response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / etiology*
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / immunology
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / physiology*
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects

Substances

  • Antibodies, Monoclonal
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Receptor Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor, ErbB-2