Vascular endothelial growth factor and epidermal growth factor signaling pathways as therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer.

Treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) has developed considerably over the past decade, especially in the areas of targeted therapeutics and biomarker development. Multiple cellular pathways influence the growth and metastatic potential of CRC. Targeted therapies have been designed to interfere with specific molecular events in pathways that mediate tumor growth and progression. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are valid therapeutic targets for patients with CRC. Monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors have been developed to target EGFR, VEGF, and VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) and are important additions to CRC treatment options. We review the most recent data on the VEGF and EGFR signaling pathways and therapeutic reagents designed to target them, provide insights into their mechanisms, and describe results from recent clinical trials.