Epidermal growth factor signalling and bone metastasis

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) signalling is well known for its multifaceted functions in development and tissue homoeostasis. The EGF family of ligands and receptors (ERBB family) have also been extensively investigated for their roles in promoting tumourigenesis and metastasis in a variety of cancer types. Recent findings indicate that EGF signalling is an important mediator of bone metastasis in breast, prostate and kidney cancers. The EGF signalling stimulates the growth of bone metastasis directly by increasing tumour cell proliferation and indirectly by engaging bone stromal cell in metastasis-promoting activities. Therefore, molecular targeting of ERBB receptors may benefit patients with bone metastasis and should be evaluated in clinical trials. British Journal of Cancer (2010) 102, 457-461. doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605490 www.bjcancer.com Published online 15 December 2009 (C) 2010 Cancer Research UKEGF; ERBB; bone metastasis; osteoclast; osteoblast; metalloproteinase