Info
EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor)
Diagnosis
What it means
A protein on the surface of cells which, when mutated, can drive uncontrolled growth of tumor cells, especially in lung cancer. Tumors with an EGFR mutation can respond to specific targeted therapies.
Related terms
The terms below often appear alongside this one. Each definition is right here, so you do not have to look elsewhere.
- Targeted therapy
- A drug treatment that selectively blocks specific molecules involved in the growth of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, it affects healthy cells less. Examples: tyrosine kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies.
- AFP (alpha-fetoprotein)
- A tumor marker useful especially for liver cancer and certain testicular or ovarian tumors. It is measured in the blood for diagnosis, monitoring treatment and detecting a recurrence.
- ALK-positive
- A gene rearrangement found in a subset of lung cancers, more common in non-smoking or younger patients. ALK-positive tumors often respond very well to specific targeted therapies, different from standard chemotherapy.
Other terms in “Diagnosis”
Glossary definitions are written for patients by the OncoDots team and go through internal medical review. They explain terms; they do not establish a diagnosis and do not recommend a treatment.