The use of epidermal growth factor receptor in cancer treatment

The targeted therapies differ from chemotherapy in that their action is related to cell receptors, unlike antineoplastic agents that destroy all cells that multiply rapidly. One of the target proteins is the epidermal growth factor receptor whose key role is the activation of intracellular signal transmission. With the development of molecular science and biotechnology, therapeutic substances have been created that block this receptor pathway.

The new therapeutics have a wide application in many types of cancer, such as head, neck and colorectal cancer, offering increased survival and improved quality of life.