Advanced targeted therapies effective as first-line treatment for lung cancer Aug 2, 2009
CLINICAL OUTCOMES OF PATIENTS WITH EPIDERMAL GROWTH FACTOR RECEPTOR (EGFR) MUTATIONS IN IPASS (IRESSATM PAN ASIA STUDY) (ABSTRACT # B9 ... An epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a protein found on the surface of cells to which an epidermal growth factor (EGF) binds ... When an EGF attaches to an EGFR, it activates the enzyme tyrosine kinase, triggering reactions that cause the cells to grow and multiply. (EurekAlert!)
Protein That Promotes Cancer Cell Growth Identified Jul 27, 2009
For the first time, Caspase-8 was shown to play a key role in relaying the growth signals from epidermal growth factor (EGF) that cause cell division and invasion. The researchers also identified an RXDLL amino acid motif that controls the signaling from the EGF receptor through the protein kinase Src to the master cell proliferation regulator protein, MAPK. This same signaling pathway stimulates neuroblastoma cells to migrate and invade neighboring tissues--a critical process in cancer... (Science Daily)
Newly appreciated membrane estrogen receptor important therapeutic target for breast cancer Jul 2, 2009
Their latest study was conducted in an effort to better understand the mechanism by which GPR30 triggered the release of epidermal growth factor (EGF) polypeptides from the surface of breast cancer cells ... It has long been appreciated that EGF-related factors are also important in other cellular activities such as cellular survival. (EurekAlert!)
Caltech researchers explore how cells reconcile mixed messages in decisions about growth Jun 20, 2009
Among those are growth signals such as epidermal growth factor (EGF). When Asthagiri and his colleagues studied the interplay between contact inhibition and EGF in groups of epithelial cells, they found that the cells have a threshold of sensitivity to EGF. If EGF levels dip below the threshold, contact inhibition takes hold and puts the brakes on cell division ... But if EGF levels rise above the threshold, it overrides the effects of cell-cell contact and promotes cell division and tissue... (EurekAlert!)
Chanel makeup man to work his magic May 30, 2009
He employs sophisticated science in his technologically advanced line, including Epidermal Growth Factor, or EGF, a bio-engineered molecule whose discovery won a Nobel Prize in 1986. During his June visit, Brown will introduce four new body products. (Honolulu Advertiser)
'Happy Hour' Gene Discovery Suggests Cancer Drugs Might Treat Alcoholism May 26, 2009
The researchers report further evidence that the gene normally does its work by blocking the so-called Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) pathway. That EGF pathway is best known for its role in cancer, and drugs designed to inhibit the EGF receptor, including erlotinib (trade name Tarceva) and gefitinib (trade name Iressa), are FDA-approved for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer ... "This is a very powerful example of how simple model organisms -- and the little fruit fly in particular --... (Science Daily)
Gene that helps boozers off drinks May 22, 2009
Two strains of flies fit this description, and both carried mutations in the happyhour gene which dampens a well- studied cellular network involved in cell division, implicated in cancer, called the epidermal growth factor (EGF) pathway. And, when the team switched happyhour back on in brain cells of mutant flies, they got drunk like normal flies. (India Times, India)
Boehringer Ingelheim to Present New Phase II Clinical Data on Two Lead Oncology Compounds at ASCO 2009 May 15, 2009
- Data on BIBW 2992, an Irreversible, Dual EGFR / HER2 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, Suggests Activity in Second-line Treatment of NSCLC Patients with EGFR Activating Mutations - (1,2) ... Interim Phase II data from the LUX-Lung 2 study suggest BIBW 2992 has anti-tumor activity in advanced, second-line, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who have epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations ... "The preliminary data from the LUX-Lung 2 study suggests that BIBW 2992 may have activity... (PR Newswire)
Tuning In On Cellular Communication In The Fruit Fly Mar 2, 2009
The recent work on Kek5 follows earlier studies in the Duffy lab that revealed a related protein, Kek1, regulates the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) pathway, which is another important developmental pathway. Problems with the BMP and EGF pathways are implicated in cancer, bone disorders, heart disease, and neurodegenerative diseases. (Science Daily)
Lung cancer vaccine helps terminal patients Feb 20, 2009
Cuba approved the use of CimaVax EGF for the general public last year ... Gonzalez and her team have worked on developing the CimaVax EGF vaccine at the Cuban Center of Molecular Immunology since the early 1990s ... More than 400 advanced lung cancer patients received the Vaccine CimaVax EGF in the trials, according to the Latin American News Agency. (CNN -- Health)
EU offers Spanish car workers aid Feb 12, 2009
The European Globalisation Fund (EGF) allocation also requires approval by EU ministers and the European Parliament. The EGF has up to 500m euros annually at its disposal ... The EGF was set up in December 2006 and so far it has paid out 67. (BBC News -- Europe)
Researchers Zero in on Gastrointestinal Cancers Feb 7, 2009
A second set of researchers reported that people with specific mutations in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) have an increased risk of cancer of the esophagus ... A variant of the EGF gene known as G/G was associated with nearly twice the risk of developing esophageal cancer when compared with the A/A "wild type" -- or normal form -- of the gene, but only in individuals with GERD. The apparent danger was magnified when the GERD was more severe,... (MEDLINEplus)
Scientists ID Protein Aiding Breast Cancer Spread Feb 7, 2009
The researchers also found that tumor cells with Menainv are less likely to be responsive to newer breast cancer treatments that inhibit receptors for epidermal growth factor (EGF), which has been shown to increase a breast cancer cell's invasive potential. Drugs that inhibit EGF may not be effective against cancer cells that express Menainv, the researchers said ... That's because tumor cells with Menainv are so sensitive to EGF that even a small amount of EGF signal not blocked by the drugs... (MEDLINEplus)
