The role of growth factors in malignancy: a focus on the epidermal growth factor receptor.
OBJECTIVE
To review the role of growth factors in the development of malignancy with a focus on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathways. The clinical significance and prognostic implications of EGFR expression in malignancy will be discussed in addition to screening methods used for detection of EGFR expression.


METHODS
Research articles and textbooks.


CONCLUSIONS
Growth factors and their receptors play an important role in the development and progression of malignancy. The association between the EGFR pathway and malignancy is well defined and many agents that block the EGFR pathways are in clinical testing.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge about the role of growth factors in malignancy has increased greatly over the past few decades. Many new biological agents targeted at growth factor pathways are in the late stages of clinical testing and are likely to be approved and available soon. It is imperative that nurses understand the underlying growth factor biology and the mechanisms by which targeted biological agents exert their antitumor effects, and be able to apply these principles in clinical practice.
Spencer-Cisek
Patricia A
PA
Charles R. Wood Foundation Cancer Center, Glens Falls Hospital, 102 Park St, Glens Falls, NY 12801, USA.
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D015398:Signal Transduction
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006133:Growth Substances; D066246:ErbB Receptors