Research HER
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HER Pathway Cancer Effects
Many tumor types are influenced by HER signaling pathways
Dysfunction in HER signaling pathways has been associated with a number of solid tumor types.5,8
HER family receptors may be inappropriately activated in cancer
In normal cells, the process of activation is closely regulated (including receptor internalization, as described previously), keeping cell growth under control.1
In cancer, HER receptors may be inappropriately activated, leading to uncontrolled growth and spread of tumor cells.5
- Overexpression of HER receptors, or the presence of too many receptors on the cell surface, can lead to increased signaling5
- Genetic mutations can lead to the production of HER receptors that can be activated even without ligand binding5
- When tumors express both HER family receptors and their associated ligands, an autocrine loop, in which the tumor stimulates its own growth, can result5
Focus on tumor types
HER signaling pathway dysfunction is associated with multiple tumor types
Dysregulation of HER signaling pathways has been implicated in the development of numerous tumor types, including5,8-11:
- Breast cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Gastric cancer
- Malignant glioma
- Head and neck cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
Preclinical and clinical research continues to link HER signaling pathway dysfunction to cancer.
- The prognostic value of HER1/EGFR in malignant glioma Link to abstract on PubMed
- The relationship between HER2 and serum tumor markers in ovarian cancer Link to abstract on PubMed
- The importance of HER3 in breast cancer and other tumor types Link to abstract on PubMed
- The impact of HER3 on the effectiveness of agents targeting other HER family receptors Link to abstract on PubMed
As new research emerges, the relationship between HER pathway dysfunction and cancer will become more clear.