The epidermal growth factor receptor in breast cancer.
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)3 is a 170 kD transmembrane tyrosine kinase activated by several ligands. It is required for normal mammary development and lactation and is aberrantly expressed in approximately 40% of breast carcinomas, particularly those with a poor prognostic phenotype. Since EGF receptor levels are elevated in a high proportion of many tumor types its potential as a therapy target is being investigated using the EGF receptor to target toxins, as well as drugs that interfere with signaling and anti-receptor antibodies. These approaches are likely to be most effective when used in the adjuvant situation in combination with chemotherapy.
Fox
S B
SB
Department of Cellular Science, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, United Kingdom.
Harris
A L
AL
D001940:Breast / Q000502:physiology*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D008024:Ligands
D008024:Ligands; D066246:ErbB Receptors