Clinical implications of EGFR expression in the development and progression of solid tumors: focus on non-small cell lung cancer

Dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway is associated with the development and progression of malignancy, and EGFR-targeted therapies offer the promise of better treatment for many types of solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer. Anti-EGFR agents include monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting the EGFR extracellular receptor domain and small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the EGFR intracellular kinase domain. Both mAbs and TKIs have demonstrated encouraging results as monotherapies and in combination with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review provides a critical update on the status of these novel therapeutics.