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Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)

By Lynne Eldridge MD, About.com

Updated July 28, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: A protein on the surface of cells that is found in high levels on cancer cells. Epidermal growth factor binds to this receptor protein causing cells to divide.

Newer, targeted therapies for lung cancer use medications to attack this protein receptor in an attempt to keep tumors from growing.
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