Assessing the role of the EGF receptor in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer

Abstract

The prognosis for patients with pancreatic cancer remains poor despite increased knowledge of its molecular genetics and histopathological progression. Pancreatic cancer is a complicated, heterogeneous tumor with several common genetic alterations. Aberrant epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression can be found in chronic pancreatitis and in preinvasive and invasive pancreatic cancer. Therefore targeting this receptor, through monoclonal antibodies or downstream inhibition of tyrosine kinase activity, has the potential to produce encouraging results. Despite this, the majority of targeted therapies against EGFR have not performed as expected in clinical trials of pancreatic cancer. Understanding mechanisms of resistance and identification of pertinent biomarkers of efficacy will likely lead to further optimization of EGFR-directed treatment. In this article, we discuss the role of EGFR in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer, mechanisms of action of EGFR-directed agents, and the future of epidermal growth factor targeted-therapy and research in pancreatic cancer.

Synthesis of novel [1,2,3]triazolo[4′,5′:3,4]pyrrolo[1,2‐a]thieno[2,3‐d] pyrimidines: Potent EGFR targeting anti‐breast cancer agents

“…The epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR) is a key player in carcinogenesis and hence a promising target for cancer therapy [4]. EGFR is an interesting target in EGFR‐driven diseases such as non‐small‐cell lung cancer [5, 6], EGFR‐positive breast cancer [7, 8], as well as pancreatic cancer. In reality, functional activation of the EGFR family receptors and growth factors is linked to the majority of human epithelial tumors, including lung cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.…”

Designing Potent Anti-Cancer Agents: Synthesis and Molecular Docking Studies of Thieno[2,3-d][1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Derivatives

“…Since the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR) participates in the growth and progression of cancer, it represents a compelling target for cancer treatment [ 24 ]. EGFR is a desirable target in many illnesses such pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer as well as those of the lung, ovarian, and breast regions [ 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Additionally, the signaling pathway that involves phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is a key player in regulating cell viability, proliferation, migration, glucose metabolism, and death.…”