Mechanisms of resistance to EGFR inhibitors in colorectal cancers

Colorectal Journal articles
Doctor with human Colon anatomy model and tablet. Colonic disease, Large Intestine, Colorectal cancer, Ulcerative colitis, Diverticulitis, Irritable bowel syndrome and Digestive system

The EGF receptor (EGFR) is important in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis and angiogenesis in cancer. EGFR inhibitors have become a mainstay of treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer, in particular KRAS wild-type patients in 50–60% of patients. Despite this many patients do not respond to these agents. Over the last few years the molecular basis of resistance to EGFR inhibitors has been elucidated to a certain degree. Mutations in KRAS and the NRAS exon are unlikely to respond to EGFR inhibitors. Other mutations, such as BRAF, PI3KCA/AKT and MET, may also lead to resistance. A greater understanding of the molecular basis for resistance may lead to ways of overcoming this, leading to improvements in care for patients.

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