Targeting of EGFR tyrosine kinase by ZD1839 (“Iressa”) in androgen-responsive prostate cancer in vitro (original) (raw)

2006, Molecular Genetics and Metabolism

EGFR, highly expressed in a variety of human malignancies, is correlated with poor tumour diVerentiation, high tumour growth and metastatic rate. EGF and several other ligands, such as transforming growth factor-, amphiregulin, heparin-binding EGF, and betacellulin, activate Ras/Raf mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidyl inositol 3Ј-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signalling pathways. Therefore, EGFR can regulate multiple processes, i.e., gene expression, cellular proliferation, angiogenesis, and inhibition of apoptosis, which contribute to the development of malignancy. In this review, we discuss the inhibition of EGFR by the speciWc tyrosine kinase inhibitor Iressa (ZD1839) focusing on its eVects in prostate cancer.