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The Role of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Breast Cancer

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Journal of Mammary Gland Biology and Neoplasia Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Recent trials of drug therapy targeting the erbB receptor HER2 have met with success in breast cancer. The epidermal growth factor receptor or EGFR is a closely related receptor from this same family that is involved in cellular signal transduction and tumor cell growth and survival. Emerging evidence indicates that EGFR is implicated in the development of hormone-resistant breast cancer, and that its activity is intertwined with estrogen receptor. Here, the role of EGFR in breast cancer is reviewed, and data from selected clinical trials of signal transduction inhibition of this cellular target are summarized.

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Abbreviations

HER:

human epidermal growth factor receptor

EGFR:

epidermal growth factor receptor

ER:

estrogen receptor

PR:

progesterone receptor

pMAPK:

phosphorylated mitogen activated protein kinase

EGFRvIII:

type 3 variant of EGFR

ATP:

adenosine triphosphate

IGF1-R:

insulin growth factor 1 receptor

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  1. Cancer Biology Laboratory, Research School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7NJ, UK

    Samuel K. Chan & William J. Gullick

  2. Kent Oncology Centre, Maidstone, Kent, UK

    Samuel K. Chan & Mark E. Hill

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Chan, S.K., Hill, M.E. & Gullick, W.J. The Role of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Breast Cancer. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 11, 3–11 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10911-006-9008-2

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