What is an EGFR mutation?
An EGFR mutation is a mutation of the EGF-receptor. The EGF receptor is a recipient cell. This receiver is sensitive to stimulating growth factors. Growth factors are hormone-like substances that are normally in the blood and play an important role in the growth and development of cells. A lung cell receives the EGF receptor signal to multiply. This allows old, less well-functioning cells are replaced by new ones. This is a normal and beneficial process in the body.
Sometimes there is an error in the EGF-receptor of cells in the lung. This is caused by a change (mutation) in the genetic material (DNA) of these cells. Some mutations are activating mutations, by this change indicates the EGF-receptor, too much growth signals and these cells continue to proliferate. Because these cells but keep sharing and long live cancer arises. As long as this signal is passed on growth, the tumor continues to grow. In the animation "The genesis of lung cancer, this process is also explained.
For patients with an activating EGFR mutation has been established, there are specific treatments with known TKIs.
