• Elizabeth S Waxman and Roy S Herbst.
• Department of Thoracic Medical Oncology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, USA.
• Semin Oncol Nurs. 2002 May 1; 18 (2 Suppl 2): 20-9.

ObjectivesTo review the implications of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blockade and become familiar with the clinical experience in colorectal carcinoma to date.Data SourcesResearch articles and textbooks.ConclusionsBlockade of the EGFR results in clinically significant antitumor activities in a variety of tumors, including colorectal carcinoma. There are a variety of mechanisms by which to block the EGFR pathway. Those that have undergone extensive clinical testing include tyrosine kinase inhibitors and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies. In addition, biological agents have shown promise when combined with traditional cytotoxic approaches.Implications For Nursing PracticeWith many targeted biological agents undergoing evaluation, it is important that nurses become familiar with early clinical experience to understand their role in the treatment of cancer.

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