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Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)

By , About.com Guide

Updated October 17, 2012

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Definition:

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is 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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