Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is commemorating the 20th anniversary of its breakthrough discovery of the EGFR gene mutation and its impact on targeted therapies for malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Precision Medicine's Impact on Thoracic Cancers
Precision medicine has revolutionized the treatment of malignant mesothelioma and lung cancer by tailoring therapies to the unique genetic and protein profile of each patient's tumor. This approach involves identifying specific characteristics or genetic errors exclusive to the cancer and developing drugs that target those characteristics.
According to Grace Dy, MD, Director of Translational Research for Thoracic Medicine at Roswell Park, the discovery of the EGFR mutation marked the beginning of precision medicine for lung cancer. "The discovery of the EGFR mutation was the start of precision medicine for lung cancer treatment. It meant that we could now choose a specific drug for a patient based on their cancer’s unique molecular profile, which increases the likelihood of treatment response compared to conventional chemotherapy."
EGFR Mutation and Mesothelioma Cell Growth
EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) is a protein on cell surfaces that promotes cell growth. While drugs targeting EGFR were not universally effective, researchers found that in responsive patients, tumors harbored a specific error in the gene responsible for producing the protein. This realization led to the understanding that testing for the EGFR mutation could predict patient responses to targeted therapy.
Roswell Park researchers have identified numerous EGFR mutations, including those in malignant mesothelioma, where EGFR overexpression is reported in 44% to 97% of cases. Consequently, several anti-EGFR agents have been investigated in mesothelioma treatment, establishing EGFR as a valid therapeutic target.
