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Focus on cancer effects

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Many tumor types are influenced by HER signaling pathways

Many tumor types are influenced by HER signaling pathways
Dysfunction in HER signaling pathways has been associated with a number of solid tumor types.5,8

HER family receptors may be inappropriately activated in cancer

In normal cells, the process of activation is closely regulated (including receptor internalization, as described previously), keeping cell growth under control.1

In cancer, HER receptors may be inappropriately activated, leading to uncontrolled growth and spread of tumor cells.5

  • Overexpression of HER receptors, or the presence of too many receptors on the cell surface, can lead to increased signaling5
  • Genetic mutations can lead to the production of HER receptors that can be activated even without ligand binding5
  • When tumors express both HER family receptors and their associated ligands, an autocrine loop, in which the tumor stimulates its own growth, can result5

Focus on tumor types

HER signaling pathway dysfunction is associated with multiple tumor types

Dysregulation of HER signaling pathways has been implicated in the development of numerous tumor types, including5,8-11:

  • Breast cancer
  • Non-small cell lung cancer
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Endometrial cancer
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Gastric cancer
  • Malignant glioma
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Renal cell carcinoma
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer

Preclinical and clinical research continues to link HER signaling pathway dysfunction to cancer.

As new research emerges, the relationship between HER pathway dysfunction and cancer will become more clear.

 

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