Role Of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor In Lung Cancer

Abstract

The epidermal growth factor receptor is a transmembrane glycoprotein with an epidermal growth factor-binding domain on the outside and an intracellular tyrosine kinase domain on the inside that regulates signalling pathways to regulate cellular proliferation. The EGF receptor's tyrosine/kinase activity results in auto phosphorylation upon binding to its ligand, activating several signal transduction pathways. The constant stimulation of these downstream targets is hypothesised to be the source of tumours with more aggressive features. Certain types of lung cancer have been associated with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. Individuals who are not chosen seem to benefit from the usage of these inhibitors in the case of lung adenocarcinomas with epidermal growth factor receptor mutations. However, a significant survival advantage seems to exist in a minority of individuals (non-smoking Asian women with adenocarcinoma, notably with a bronchioloalveolar carcinoma). EGFR mutations or gene amplification may be present in tumours that respond to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.