PARENT SESSION
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Tuesday, April 23, 2002
Symposium 13
Molecular Inhibition of EGFR: From Lab to Clinic
Room: Tahoe
Chair: Harari, Paul²²Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Ave. K4/332, Madison, WI
Speakers: Arteaga, Carlos⁴; Baselga, Jose⁵; Harari, Paul⁶⁴Division of Medical Oncology, Nashville, TN⁵Oncology Service, Barcelona, Spain⁶Dept of Human Oncology, Madison, WI

(S13-) Molecular Inhibition of EGFR: From Lab to Clinic.

Harari, Paul^*,1, Arteaga, Carlos², Baselga, Jose³, ¹ University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Cancer Center, Madison, WI² Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN³ Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain

ABSTRACT-
Approximately two-thirds of all human solid tumors derive from epithelial tissues. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) serves as an important regulator of cellular growth in epithelial tumors. Indeed, this receptor is frequently overexpressed in tumors which exhibit aggressive clinical characteristics. A spectrum of new anti-cancer agents have been specifically designed to target the EGFR in an effort to inhibit malignant growth. This symposium provides an overview regarding the evolving rationale and mechanisms for EGFR inhibition. In addition, preclinical and clinical investigations which examine EGFR inhibition combined with either cytotoxic chemotherapy or with radiation are described. The potential impact of EGFR signal modulation on future cancer therapy strategies is previewed.

KEYWORDS: EGFR, Chemotherapy, Radiation