Research progresses of epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors

The signal transduction of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) is closely associated with tumor progression. Recently, novel antineoplastics were developed by preferentially targeting inhibition of such EGFR tyrosine kinase. The structures and functions of EGFR as well as current status of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors are reviewed.