Novel drug may take on lung cancer.In several kinds of cancer, malignant cells display an excess of a specific type of surface receptor, which when stimulated causes unchecked growth of such cells (SN: 9/11/04, p. 164). Scientists now report that a novel agent bottles up this so-called epidermal growth factor receptor This article is about a cell suface receptor. For estimated measure of kidney function (eGFR), see Glomerular filtration rate. The epidermal growth factor receptor and stalls the growth of cancer cells in a lab dish. The strong results have led the researchers to begin testing the new drug, called HKI-272, in people with lung cancer lung cancer, cancer that originates in the tissues of the lungs. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States in both men and women. Like other cancers, lung cancer occurs after repeated insults to the genetic material of the cell. that has proved resistant to two existing anticancer drugs Anticancer Drugs Definition Anticancer, or antineoplastic, drugs are used to treat malignancies, or cancerous growths. Drug therapy may be used alone, or in combination with other treatments such as surgery or radiation therapy. that target the same receptor, reports Daniel A. Haber of Massachusetts General Hospital Massachusetts General Hospital Health care The major teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School, widely regarded as one of the best health care centers in the world Cancer Center in Charlestown.--N.S. |
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