Anti-EGFR

The anti-EGFRs belong to the family of signal transduction pathway inhibitors. These treatments belong to two different categories of medicines: the monoclonal antibodies and the enzyme inhibitors. They are used particularly to treat some lung cancers, colon and ENT cancers.

How do the anti-EGFRs work?

Like the anti-HERs, the anti-EGFRs (for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor) belong to the targeted therapies. They act on the receptors for EGF, human epidermal growth factor. They bind to the receptor and inactivate the enzymes (kinases) which promote cell division.

Do they have contraindications or precautions?

These medicines do not have the cytotoxic effect of the anticancer treatments and are occupying an increasingly large place in oncology. They do, however, have a risk of side effects. These are mostly cutaneous: foliculitis and even, occasionally severe, acne.

Sources:

• from our special envoy at the 47th congress of theAmerican Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), Chicago, 3-7 June 2011
• Merck Manual 4^th edition
• Interview with Dr Pierre-Jean Souquet (Lyon)