Type-1 growth factor receptors in pancreatic and gastrointestinal neoplasia

Altered expression of type-1 growth factor receptors and their ligands is frequently found in both benign and malignant neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and its adnexae, and may contribute to the establishment and progression of these tumours. Upregulated expression of both receptors and ligands to form potential autocrine loops is associated with poor prognosis in some tumour types. Overexpression of the type-1 receptors may be exploited for novel therapies including genetically directed enzyme therapy and receptor-mediated drug delivery.