Definition
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor inhibitor. This group of medicines are used to treat a number of different cancer types. They act by blocking the overactive growth signals seen in cancer cells.
Use in clinical context
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein found in the membrane of cells. The protein is responsible for receiving signals that instruct a cell to grow and divide. It can be found at high levels in cancer, which means that inhibiting or stopping EGFR can benefit cancer treatment by stopping cell growth and division. Not all cancers have high levels of EGFR, so testing the cancer before starting treatment can determine if EGFR inhibitors are likely to be an effective part of treatment or whether other treatments are more appropriate.
Related terms
Cancer | Cell | Cell division | Cell membrane | Cellular proliferation | Personalised medicine | Pharmacogenomics | Protein
