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A gene that, when over-activated by mutation or extra copies, pushes a cell to grow and divide. Think of an accelerator pedal stuck to the floor.
Normal cells carry these genes as proto-oncogenes, which drive growth only when the cell receives the right signals; a mutation, amplification or fusion can lock them permanently on. Many oncogenes encode receptors and kinases in growth-signalling pathways (EGFR, HER2, ALK, KRAS, BRAF, PIK3CA), which is why so many targeted drugs are kinase inhibitors. Because a single activated oncogene can dominate a tumour's behaviour, blocking it can produce dramatic responses, the basis of oncogene addiction and of the whole targeted-therapy paradigm.
In plain words · A growth receptor that is mutated in some lung cancers and overproduced in others; the first great success of targeted pills.
Showing the target this term concerns: EGFR.
Shares Growth signal, Kinase, BRAF, EGFR.
Shares PIK3CA / PI3K-alpha, Driver mutation, ALK, BRAF.
Shares Driver mutation, ALK, BRAF, EGFR.
Shares Gene, Somatic mutation theory of cancer, Driver mutation.
Shares Growth signal, Kinase.
Shares Growth signal, Kinase, EGFR, HER2.