EGFR

Term: EGFRDefinition: Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor is a protein on the surface of cells that binds to epidermal growth factor, influencing cell growth and division. Mutations in EGFR are associated with various cancers, including lung cancer.Phonetic Pronunciation: (E-G-F-R)Origin: EGFR stands for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. The term 'epidermal' is derived from the Greek word 'epidermis,' meaning 'over the skin,' and 'receptor' comes from the Latin 'receptus,' meaning 'received.' This naming reflects the receptor's location and function in cellular biology.Significance in Asbestos Context: EGFR mutations are significant in asbestos-related diseases because they can be linked to the development of lung cancer in individuals exposed to asbestos. Understanding these mutations can help in diagnosing and treating asbestos-induced cancers more effectively.Example Sentence: Recent studies have shown that patients with asbestos-related lung cancer often exhibit mutations in the EGFR gene, which can influence their treatment options.Related Terms: Lung cancer, mutation, oncology, gene, tyrosine kinase inhibitorNotes: - EGFR mutations are not exclusive to asbestos exposure but are a critical factor in lung cancer cases associated with asbestos. - Targeted therapies for EGFR mutations have shown promise in treating certain types of lung cancer.