Targeting the epidermal growth factor pathway as therapy for glioblastoma

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite therapy with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, the prognosis remains poor, and the demand for more effective treatments is high. Research has increased our understanding of the molecular pathways important for gliomagenesis and disease progression, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and downstream phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway. Targeted therapeutics have been developed against these receptors and pathways. This article will review the rationale and current evidence for inhibitors of this signaling axis.