Biological modifiers as potential radiosensitizers: targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor family.

The epidermal growth factor receptor family plays an important role in the pathogenesis of human epithelial tumors. Overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and resistance to therapy. Epidermal growth factor receptor family members activate signal transduction pathways that have been implicated in radioresistance, and inhibition of signal transduction pathways involved in epidermal growth factor receptor family member signaling causes radiosensitization. Recent encouraging results indicate that epidermal growth factor receptor family member inhibitors may be specific, effective radiosensitizers in tumors that overexpress one or more of these receptors.