Role in Tumor Cell Survival
EGFR is a cell membrane receptor1
In healthy cells, EGFR plays an integral role in multiple biological processes, including proliferation, gene expression, survival, and apoptosis.1
At diagnosis: sensitizing EGFR mutations
Mutations in EGFR may lead to increased signaling1,2
EGFR activity may be dysregulated though various mechanisms, including sensitizing mutations that affect tyrosine kinase activity and lead to constitutive activation.1,2
Targeted therapies can inhibit EGFR signaling1
Inhibiting EGFR may slow tumor cell growth.1
EGFR, epidermal growth factor receptor; NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer; TKI, tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
References: 1. Baselga J. Oncologist. 2002;7(suppl 4):2-8. 2. Sharma SV et al. Nat Rev Cancer. 2007;7(3):169-181.
