[Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor: structure and biological function in human tumors]

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) plays an important role in the regulation of normal cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. For this reason EGFR status is often altered in a range of human tumor types and generally correlates with a poor prognosis. In recent years a number of mutations in the EGFR gene have been noted that lead to the expression of overactive or constitutively active aberrant receptors. These receptors have been shown to participate actively in the process of tumor genesis. This review provides an overview of the structure of these mutations and their biological function in human tumors plus the potentials of anticancer therapy.