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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
12:03

Multi-photon Imaging of Tumor Cell Invasion in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Published on: July 25, 2011

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) biology and human oral cancer

R Todd1, D T Wong

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard, Boston, USA.

Histology and Histopathology
|April 23, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Dysregulation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) drives oral cancer. While overexpression is common, the role of structural alterations in EGFR and its pathway in oral carcinogenesis requires further investigation for targeted therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) dysregulation is a key factor in oral carcinogenesis.
  • EGFR overexpression is prevalent in various human solid tumors, including oral cancers.
  • Elevated EGFR mRNA levels can occur with or without gene rearrangement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contribution of structural alterations in EGFR and pathway perturbations to oral carcinogenesis.
  • To explore the potential of EGFR-targeted therapies for oral cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of EGFR expression levels (mRNA and protein).
  • Investigation of EGFR gene structure and potential rearrangements.
  • Assessment of EGFR pathway signaling in oral cancer tissues.
  • Review of preliminary data on EGFR-targeted therapeutic approaches.

Main Results:

  • EGFR overexpression without gene rearrangement is frequently observed in human oral cancers.
  • The precise role of structural EGFR alterations and pathway perturbations in oral carcinogenesis remains largely unknown.
  • Preliminary evidence suggests potential efficacy of EGFR-targeted therapies.

Conclusions:

  • EGFR dysregulation is a significant event in oral cancer development.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the impact of EGFR structural changes and pathway dysregulation.
  • EGFR-targeted therapies show promise for oral cancer management.

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