- Email: [email protected]
Targeted Therapy Against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Targeted Therapy Against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Date of Original Release: October 2002 Date of Expiration: October 2003 This CME activity was planned and produced in accordance with the ACCME Essential Areas and Policies. Target Audience: Oncologists, pathologists
Description The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has emerged as a target for tumor-selective treatment strategies in a variety of solid tumors. The ability of the EGFR to transform epithelial cells, the overexpression of EGFR and its ligands in several human cancers, and the causal association of the receptor network with accelerated tumor progression provide a rationale for targeting this signaling system with tumor-selective strategies. The EGFR has been found to be overexpressed in head and neck cancers, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and non–small cell lung cancer, among others. Early clinical studies suggest that humanized monoclonal antibodies are able to block ligand binding and induce receptor downregulation, and that adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mimetics compete with ATP for binding to the receptor’s kinase pocket, thereby disabling the ability of the EGFR to transduce intracellular signals. IMC-C225 (Erbitux, cetuximab; ImClone Systems Incorporated, New York, NY, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) is a chimeric humanized version of the murine monoclonal antibody, M225, and was generated in order to avoid the host’s immune response and thus allow for continuous drug delivery that may be required for sustained antitumor activity. In this supplement, leaders in the field discuss the development of IMC-C225 and its promising results in phase I, II, and III clinical trials. IMC-C225 appears to be a safe and well-tolerated drug that offers the potential to be an important advance in major tumor types with targeted receptor.
Educational Objectives After reading this supplement, physicians should be able to: 1. Utilize knowledge of the biology of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to define its role as a therapeutic target in human cancer. 2. Relate EGFR expression in various solid tumors and methodology for detection of EGFR expression in colorectal, head and neck, and other tumors. 3. Review the development of IMC-C225 and its role in treatment of various solid tumors, and recognize which patients may benefit from such treatment. 4. Assess the safety profile of IMC-C225 and apply this knowledge to the patient care setting.
Estimated Time for Completing This CME Activity The estimated time for reading the supplement and completing the test is 3 hours.
Accreditation Statement The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 hours in category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in this educational activity.
CME Inquiries For further information about CME, please contact The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education, 8445 Freeport Parkway, Suite 680, Irving, TX 75063; Telephone (972) 929-1900; Fax: (972) 929-1901; E-mail: [email protected].
Supported by an educational grant from ImClone Systems Incorporated and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Sponsored by
Description The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has emerged as a target for tumor-selective treatment strategies in a variety of solid tumors. The ability of the EGFR to transform epithelial cells, the overexpression of EGFR and its ligands in several human cancers, and the causal association of the receptor network with accelerated tumor progression provide a rationale for targeting this signaling system with tumor-selective strategies. The EGFR has been found to be overexpressed in head and neck cancers, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and non–small cell lung cancer, among others. Early clinical studies suggest that humanized monoclonal antibodies are able to block ligand binding and induce receptor downregulation, and that adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-mimetics compete with ATP for binding to the receptor’s kinase pocket, thereby disabling the ability of the EGFR to transduce intracellular signals. IMC-C225 (Erbitux, cetuximab; ImClone Systems Incorporated, New York, NY, and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ) is a chimeric humanized version of the murine monoclonal antibody, M225, and was generated in order to avoid the host’s immune response and thus allow for continuous drug delivery that may be required for sustained antitumor activity. In this supplement, leaders in the field discuss the development of IMC-C225 and its promising results in phase I, II, and III clinical trials. IMC-C225 appears to be a safe and well-tolerated drug that offers the potential to be an important advance in major tumor types with targeted receptor.
Educational Objectives After reading this supplement, physicians should be able to: 1. Utilize knowledge of the biology of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) to define its role as a therapeutic target in human cancer. 2. Relate EGFR expression in various solid tumors and methodology for detection of EGFR expression in colorectal, head and neck, and other tumors. 3. Review the development of IMC-C225 and its role in treatment of various solid tumors, and recognize which patients may benefit from such treatment. 4. Assess the safety profile of IMC-C225 and apply this knowledge to the patient care setting.
Estimated Time for Completing This CME Activity The estimated time for reading the supplement and completing the test is 3 hours.
Accreditation Statement The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
Credit The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 hours in category 1 credit toward the AMA Physician’s Recognition Award. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit that he/she actually spent in this educational activity.
CME Inquiries For further information about CME, please contact The Center for Biomedical Continuing Education, 8445 Freeport Parkway, Suite 680, Irving, TX 75063; Telephone (972) 929-1900; Fax: (972) 929-1901; E-mail: [email protected].
Supported by an educational grant from ImClone Systems Incorporated and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
Sponsored by