Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression regulates cancer cell
proliferation, survival, and metastatic potential and is associated with the majority of
human carcinomas, including colorectal carcinoma. The relationship between EGFR
expression and its prognosis in cancer patients, however, has not been proven in
clinical settings. Various preclinical studies suggest that the oncogenic potential of
EGFR is associated with levels of EGFR ligands. Mutations in EGFR family ligands
and their receptors are characteristic of many different kinds of tumors. Therefore, this
signaling axis is an attractive target for the development of targeted therapies. Various
small molecule inhibitors and antibodies are in clinical trials that specifically target
EGFR.
Here, we will discuss the current literature’s attempts to identify markers, which
contribute resistance and sensitivity to small molecule EGFR inhibitors. Moreover, we
will summarize the role of EGFR in the development of colon cancer. We will discuss
the mechanistic basis for EGFR interaction with various molecules, its consequences
for biology, and its prospective importance as a target for colon cancer therapy.
Keywords: Cancer therapy, Cancer cell proliferation, Colon cancer, EGFR
ligands, Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Targeted therapies.
